Denver Broncos

Broncos are having a surprising problem for a Super Bowl champion

Published Jul. 22, 2016 11:03 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Denver Broncos really could use Peyton Manning this season.

Not necessarily to play quarterback. But if he could buy the naming rights to the team's stadium, that'd be a big help.

The Broncos have a surprising problem for a Super Bowl champion: finding a sponsor to put its name on their stadium.

Sports Authority, which owns the naming rights, has declared bankruptcy and reportedly still owes roughly $20 million for the next five years. So the company is trying to find bidders for the naming rights. But so far, the only interest reportedly has come from a local marijuana dispensary. With no bids, the deadline has been pushed back to Monday.

Only, the Metropolitan Football Stadium District, which owns the field, says Sports Authority can't sell the rights without its permission. So it's unclear whose name will be on the stadium when the 2016 season opens.

The good news for the Broncos is if Sports Authority fails to sell the rights and defaults on the deal, the team would be able to negotiate a new naming rights deal, and a much more lucrative one at that. More recent deals by the Cowboys, Giants and Jets netted $400-450 million over 20-25 years.