💡 Elon Musk’s Latest Power Play: “Tesla Stadium” in Santa Clara?

According to insiders close to the matter, Elon Musk recently approached the San Francisco 49ers with a high-stakes sponsorship offer: rename Levi’s Stadium to “Tesla Stadium” and give Tesla full creative control over a new uniform design, in exchange for a multi-year, multi-million dollar sponsorship deal.

Musk’s vision reportedly included integrating Tesla’s cutting-edge aesthetic into the heart of the 49ers brand.

“He wants to make Tesla more than a car company. He wants it to be a cultural symbol—and that means football,” said a source familiar with the proposal.

👕 Tesla Redesigns the 49ers?

The proposed jersey overhaul would have replaced the 49ers’ iconic red and gold with a sleek, modern Tesla color scheme—black, silver, and crimson—with advanced fabric tech and digital enhancements. Musk also wanted Tesla branding subtly embedded into the design, including helmet decals and sideline gear.

🚫 Jed York’s Firm Response: Absolutely Not

Despite the financial upside and Musk’s growing global influence, 49ers CEO Jed York reportedly turned down the offer without hesitation.

“We respect innovation, but the 49ers aren’t for sale,” an internal team source shared. “Our brand, our fans, and our legacy matter more than a flashy payday.”

Levi’s, a long-standing naming rights partner, is also said to have been blindsided by the move, viewing the attempt as a direct challenge to their relationship with the team.

⚙️ Musk’s Mission: Rewire the NFL?

Elon Musk’s push into sports sponsorship appears to be part of a larger brand expansion strategy. After renaming Twitter to “X” and teasing ownership stakes in entertainment, Musk has turned his attention to the NFL, where visibility meets culture.

This is now the third reported rejection of a stadium rebrand proposal Musk has made—following similar turndowns from the Dallas Cowboys (AT&T Stadium) and the Kansas City Chiefs (Arrowhead Stadium).

🗣️ Fan Reactions: Loyalty Over Logos

The news sparked a firestorm of opinions online:

• “Tesla is cool, but the 49ers are tradition. Keep Levi’s Stadium.”

• “Jed York finally made a decision everyone can agree with.”

• “Red and gold forever. No tech bros in our house.”

Many fans praised York for protecting the team’s heritage and avoiding what some called a “Silicon Valley branding takeover.”