New York‘s Madison Square Garden, one of the most iconic sports venues in the world, has filed to trademark ‘MSG’ with, it is being speculated, a view to entering the newly legalized sports wagering sector in the US. The story, which was broken by sports betting portal The Action Network, also made it clear that the venue has not formally confirmed any such intentions.
A spokesperson on behalf of Madison Square Garden told The Action Network: ““We have said we’re very interested in the opportunities legalized sports gaming could bring, and recognize that we have a brand, in MSG, that is recognizable around the world for its connection to iconic sports.”
In its filing with the US Patent and Trademark Office, the venue has sought to trademark ‘MSG’ for mobile sports wagering apps for organizing, arranging, conducting and participating in sports wagering tournaments and for providing information related to sports betting.
While sports betting in New York is still waiting for the green light from state lawmakers, Madison Square Garden appears to be readying itself for that moment to happen. And although the company has yet to officially make clear its intentions, its filing to trademark ‘MSG’ does include a signed statement to the effect it has real intent to use the brand for stated goods and services.