Staples Center was renamed Crypto.com Arena in late 2021 through a 20-year naming rights agreement. The venue is now called Crypto.com Arena for all official and commercial purposes, including ticketing, signage, broadcasts, and events. This verified explainer outlines what changed, when it changed, and what the change means for fans, partners, and the surrounding neighborhood.
Fast Answer to Staples Center Renaming
In December 2021, the arena formerly known as Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles became Crypto.com Arena under a long-term naming rights deal. The change reflects a new brand partnership and is reflected on tickets, maps, media, and wayfinding throughout the property. Below you will find a status-backed timeline, key contractual details, and practical impacts of the rename.
Status and Timeline of the Staples Center Rename
The Staples Center rename to Crypto.com Arena was officially announced in late 2020 and became effective in late 2021. The transition included phased updates to physical signage, digital platforms, and broadcast graphics. The table below summarizes the verified details of the rename.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| December 2020 | Naming rights agreement announced | Public confirmation of the partnership and future rename |
| Late 2021 | Venue officially became Crypto.com Arena | Applied to tickets, signage, broadcasts, and operations |
| 2022 onward | Full brand integration completed | Consistent use of the new name across all channels |
Why the Staples Center Changed Its Name
The rename was driven by a long-term commercial agreement in which the arena partnered with Crypto.com, a global cryptocurrency platform, for a 20-year naming rights deal. This move aligned the venue with a high-profile brand and provided a new revenue stream to support operations and programming. The sponsorship also introduced modern, digital-first branding to the arena experience.
Practical Effects for Visitors and Partners
For fans, partners, and staff, the venue is now branded as Crypto.com Arena across all public-facing surfaces. This includes tickets, seating maps, directories, broadcast overlays, and external signage. While the physical location and entrances remain the same, the updated name is intended to provide a consistent experience across digital and in-person touchpoints.
Key Differences Before and After the Rename
Understanding the shift from Staples Center to Crypto.com Arena helps clarify expectations for attendees and partners. The following list highlights the primary changes associated with the rename.
- Name on tickets, receipts, and official communications: now Crypto.com Arena
- On-site signage and directory systems updated to reflect new branding
- Broadcast graphics and digital integrations aligned with new sponsor
- Long-term partnership through a 20-year naming rights agreement
Common Questions About the Rename
People often ask whether the rename affects seat locations, event schedules, or the neighborhood identity. In practice, the change is primarily visual and commercial, not operational. Events continue at the same address, and seating plans remain tied to the physical structure. The neighborhood and transit links are unchanged, but the venue’s public-facing name and branding now reflect the Crypto.com partnership.
Evergreen Takeaways
The Staples Center rename to Crypto.com Arena is complete and remains in effect under a long-term agreement. The venue operates and markets under the new name, with updates reflected across tickets, maps, and signage. This status-backed explanation captures the current naming arrangement and its implications for ongoing use.
References
Information in this explainer is drawn from publicly announced naming rights agreements, official venue communications, and Los Angeles Times and business press coverage of the partnership and launch.