Why Can't Spurs Name New Venue Tim Duncan Arena?

The San Antonio Spurs' new arena is called the Frost Bank Center, but we think Tim Duncan Arena may have been more popular amongst fans.

SAN ANTONIO - The San Antonio Spurs are calling their new home the Frost Bank Center.

After many years as the arena sponsor, AT&T's contract has come to an end and it's had Spurs Sports and Entertainment a bit nervous. However, their partnership with Frost brings on new beginnings.

But what if the Spurs hadn't gone in that direction?

Tim Duncan Arena would be a great name ... but that wouldn't have brought in hundreds of millions of dollars. You got to have a giant corporation or you're not keeping up with the Benjamins, er, the Joneses. 

There was much consternation inside the organization after the original deal with AT&T ran out last year and they had to persuade the company to extend the deal several months. Call it a favor to the Spurs that bought them more time to search.

Worried they would have to go without an arena sponsor after AT&T bailed, Frost swooped in today with a fat check that is reportedly good through 2032.

In the business world where everything costs money nowadays, naming rights deals for arenas and stadiums are a part of the machine.

There are some exceptions, mostly in baseball with Yankee Stadium, Wrigley Field and Fenway Park, but those are only reserved for century-old venues. It would be nice to revert back to the old days, but that is simply part of the past. 

---

You can follow Mike Taylor here on Twitter.

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Spurs? Click Here.

Follow Inside the Spurs on Twitter.

Follow Inside the Spurs on Facebook.

Want even more San Antonio Spurs news? Check out the Si.com team page here.