Council delays decision on Sportsman Solutions naming-rights deal, seeks local outreach

The City of Lampasas discussed a proposed agreement with Sportsman Solutions on Oct. 27 that would allow an outside firm to solicit naming-rights and sponsorship agreements for city parks and facilities. Sportsman Solutions was described by staff as a third-party agent that would find corporate partners and handle contract work for a commission; staff said the city would not pay the firm directly but the firm would deduct a 20–25% commission from sponsorship proceeds.

Parks staff said the firm provided valuation and contract-writing expertise and gave examples of deals in other cities, including an anonymized five-year, $846,000 naming-rights contract for a sports complex in a larger Texas city. Staff said local small-donor agreements (for banners and bench signage) would still be possible and that the city retained the right to decline any specific sponsor. When asked whether the city can refuse a particular sponsor, staff replied that the city "can. Yes." and that individual offers can be rejected without financial penalty.

Multiple council members expressed concern about outsourcing sponsorship solicitation and paying a sizable commission when small, local businesses could instead be approached directly. One council member suggested giving local businesses a first opportunity and asked staff to conduct direct outreach to gauge local interest before committing to an outside agent.

After discussion, a council motion was made to take no action on the proposed Sportsman Solutions contract until staff had completed additional research and local outreach; that motion carried. Council members characterized the item as a potentially valuable revenue source if used carefully but said they wanted a fuller set of local comparisons, contract examples, and clarity about commission structures before approving any agreement.