REPORT: Elon Musk Wants to Rename Penn State’s Beaver Stadium to “Tesla Field” and Redesign Jerseys — James Franklin Says No, For This Reason
In one of the most unexpected crossover proposals between tech and college athletics, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has reportedly made an aggressive sponsorship offer to Penn State University, aiming to rename the historic Beaver Stadium to “Tesla Field” and redesign the Nittany Lions’ iconic jerseys in exchange for a multi-year financial commitment.
Sources close to the situation claim that Musk’s pitch involved a bold rebranding of the Penn State football image. This would include a futuristic redesign of the Nittany Lions’ uniforms, with Tesla’s signature logo prominently displayed on helmets and jerseys, and technological enhancements inside the stadium—ranging from EV charging stations to interactive fan experiences powered by Tesla AI.
Musk reportedly views college football as a “massive untapped branding engine” and believes Tesla could benefit from deeper integration with high-visibility athletic programs, particularly one with the national stature and alumni base of Penn State.
However, head coach James Franklin has reportedly shut the door on the deal.
According to university insiders, Franklin opposed the renaming of Beaver Stadium—widely regarded as one of the most iconic venues in college football—not just due to tradition, but out of respect for the program’s legacy. “There are things money can’t buy, and the spirit of Beaver Stadium is one of them,” Franklin is believed to have said in internal discussions.
Franklin also expressed concerns about the uniforms’ potential redesign. The Nittany Lions’ classic blue and white jerseys are among the most traditional in all of college football and are a point of pride for fans who value the team’s old-school aesthetic.
The proposal, while never made public by Tesla or the university, would have reportedly brought in over $200 million in long-term sponsorship revenue, making it one of the largest corporate deals in NCAA history.
Still, Penn State’s decision signals a strong commitment to tradition over transformation—at least for now. The university is said to be open to future discussions about corporate partnerships that do not alter the core identity of its athletic programs.
Elon Musk, known for his out-of-the-box ventures, has yet to publicly comment on the reported rejection. Whether he’ll shift his focus to another athletic powerhouse remains to be seen.
For now, Penn State fans can rest easy: Beaver Stadium will remain just that, and the blue and white will continue to charge out of the tunnel unaltered—Tesla-free.