In a bold and bizarre move that sent shockwaves through the sports and business worlds, billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk has reportedly proposed a groundbreaking sponsorship deal to the Dallas Cowboys — but team owner Jerry Jones isn’t having it.
Sources close to the organization revealed that Musk approached the Cowboys with an eye-popping offer: a permanent sponsorship of the team in exchange for two major changes. First, Musk wanted to rename AT&T Stadium to “Tesla Field.” Second, he requested a full redesign of the Cowboys’ iconic uniforms — replacing the legendary star with a sleek Tesla “T” and incorporating futuristic design elements “inspired by Mars colonization and electric efficiency.”
The proposed deal would have included long-term financial investment from Tesla into the Cowboys franchise, with promises of next-gen fan experiences, electric vehicle charging stations across the stadium, and high-tech integrations that would “redefine how fans engage with football.” But when it came down to the price — the Cowboys’ identity — Jerry Jones reportedly didn’t blink.
“This star means more than money,” Jones allegedly told his executive team. “We’ve built a legacy here. I’m not trading it for a logo and a press release.”
The Dallas Cowboys, often referred to as “America’s Team,” are one of the most storied franchises in NFL history. The idea of replacing the AT&T Stadium name — which itself came through a massive naming rights deal in 2013 — with “Tesla Field,” and altering the sacred silver-and-blue uniforms, was a step too far for the proud and famously brand-conscious Jones.
Fans quickly chimed in, with Cowboys Nation reacting just as fiercely as one might expect. One popular comment on social media read:
“Elon, you may launch rockets, but don’t try to launch changes to the Cowboys jersey. Some things are untouchable.”
Another wrote:
“I’d rather watch us go 8–9 in traditional uniforms than 17–0 in Tesla spandex.”
While Musk hasn’t officially responded to the rejection, he did tweet late Monday night:
“Some stars are afraid to evolve. Legacy is the slow death of innovation.”
Despite the jab, it appears Jerry Jones is standing firm. Insiders close to the Cowboys say he’s not interested in any rebranding discussions — and certainly not at the expense of the team’s identity. “You don’t mess with the star,” one executive told reporters. “Not even if you’re Elon Musk.”
Whether Musk will shift his sights to another team remains to be seen. But for now, one thing’s clear: Tesla won’t be lighting up the scoreboard at “Tesla Field” in Arlington anytime soon.