Tennessee Basketball: A big change is on the way that fans might not love

A big change is on the way for Tennessee Vols basketball and it's one that will likely make fans groan.  According to a report from ESPN's Pete Thamel, Tennessee has sold the naming rights to Thompson-Boling Arena for the next 10 years.  Thamel reported that the naming rights have been sold to Food City. The […]

Zach Ragan Tennessee Volunteers News Writer
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A big change is on the way for Tennessee Vols basketball and it's one that will likely make fans groan. 

According to a report from ESPN's Pete Thamel, Tennessee has sold the naming rights to Thompson-Boling Arena for the next 10 years. 

Thamel reported that the naming rights have been sold to Food City. The 10-year deal is worth more than $20 million according to Thamel. 

According to a report from VolQuest, the arena will be known as "Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center". 

While plenty of fans likely won't care for the new corporate sponsorship of Tennessee's basketball arena, this is actually a savvy move by UT's athletic department. 

Not only will Tennessee generate an extra $2 million in revenue per year over the next 10 years, but they didn't really have to sacrifice the Thompson-Boling name. It's still front and center and it's still how it will be universally referred to (for the most part). 

UT athletic director Danny White just can't make a bad move these days. Even moves that wouldn't normally be popular are coming up aces for White. 

Featured image via Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports