Dubai based airline, Emirates has approached River Plate over a possible stadium naming deal which would see the iconic Estadio Monumental rebranded in exchange for $13.5 million and a long-term contract which would undoubtedly see River travel for friendlies against other Emirates linked clubs. Given the financial plight that Argentine football finds itself in, a lucrative sponsorship deal of this type might tempt River’s accountants to give it some serious thought.

The economic situation in Argentina makes running a football club incredibly difficult and even the biggest names in a country world-renowned for it’s football excellence struggle to get by. River Plate, like most of the top flight clubs, is run as a sports club whereby the football team is but one aspect of a much larger public service. The countless number of sporting activities that River offer to its members mean that the running costs each month are staggering and in a domestic league not funded to anywhere near the level that football fans are familiar with in Europe means that breaking even is an extremely perilous balancing act.

The sale of young players to Europe in exchange for valuable dollars is a necessary part of the business model but unlike in, for example the Premier League, there are far fewer means to increase the revenue.

The domestic league and even the international competitions are not broadcast to the level of other major leagues and tournaments around the world and therefore are not so attractive to major corporations.

Emirates however, appear interesting in branching their sponsorship out to South America. Already with naming rights to Arsenal’s stadium and shirt sponsors to Real Madrid, Paris St Germain, AC Milan and Benfica, the airline is keen on adding the 2015 Copa Libertadores champions to their roster.

These type of deals are of course common place in Europe and are a vital part of the finances of many top clubs. When Arsenal moved out of their old Highbury stadium to their current home, the club signed a £100 million sponsorship deal with Emirates and in 2012 signed a further £150 million deal to retain the Emirates name until 2028.

The $13.5 million that is reportedly being offered for the Monumental naming rights is obviously a fraction of the price of any similar deal in Europe but would be a significant boost for River. In addition to the stadium and perhaps shirt sponsors, a deal with Emirates may also see the team participate in matches in other parts of the world and therefore help to grow the global brand.

Despite the possible increase in revenue, whether River Plate supporters would be open to such a move is another matter.