In the fast-evolving world of digital branding, the value of securing a strong, memorable online presence cannot be overstated. For professional sports teams in America, this reality is particularly true. Enter the world of .TEAM domain extensions – a new digital frontier that offers significant potential for teams looking to secure their brand in the ever-competitive sports landscape. With .TEAM domain names being rapidly snapped up by savvy investors, including domain flippers, it’s more important than ever for professional sports teams to act fast and secure their place in the digital arena.
A New Digital Gold Rush
We are witnessing a resurgence of the domain flipping era, a phenomenon that first gained attention during the early 2000s. Domain flippers are at the forefront of the digital real estate boom, purchasing highly valuable domain names for resale at a significant profit. Among the hottest new domain extensions is .TEAM – the perfect fit for professional sports teams.
Many of these valuable .TEAM domains have already been claimed, often by domain flippers seeking to capitalize on their scarcity. As Ashton Crowley, an associate with HFC LLC, a small Delaware-based hedge fund specializing in flipping commercial real estate and domains, explains, his firm initially targeted 25 .TEAM domains, but was only able to secure 12. The firm’s early attempts to purchase premium names such as “Chelsea.TEAM” were unsuccessful, as these domains were quickly scooped up by competitors, including major companies like Amazon. Amazon, in particular, secured domains like “AWS.TEAM” before flippers had a chance to lay claim to them, recognizing the immense value that such digital assets hold.
The Case for Early Action
For professional sports teams in the U.S., securing a .TEAM domain now, rather than waiting until the value of these domains increases, could be the key to protecting their brand’s digital future. Teams that delay could risk losing out to flippers or competing companies looking to acquire valuable domain names for resale or other uses.
In fact, securing the .TEAM extension for a sports team is as vital as securing any other intellectual property, such as logos, team names, and trademarks. Crowley emphasizes that domain names like “Cowboys.TEAM” or “Commanders.TEAM” hold immense potential for future resale, ranging from $50,000 to $300,000, depending on the team’s market value. Even more popular team names could command prices in the millions, as evidenced by the soaring sale prices of domain names like Koko.com($1 million) or the staggering $1.8 million paid for Better.com’s domain name in 2015.
The Profit Potential
As the domain market continues to shift, it is clear that owning a relevant .TEAM domain is an investment in a team’s future. In fact, some .TEAM domains are already being listed for seven-figure sums. Recently, “Ravens.TEAM” was offered online for $1,000,000, although the domain has since been transferred to another hosting company, sparking speculation that a sale has occurred. While the terms of the deal remain undisclosed, it highlights the growing financial value of securing a .TEAM domain early.
Professional sports teams may not fully recognize the importance of these domains today, but as the market matures, the opportunity for profit will only increase. As Crowley points out, while his firm doesn’t own “Cowboys.TEAM,” they have secured several other domain names that could prove just as valuable. In essence, domain names are not just digital addresses—they are integral to a team’s digital brand identity and can become a significant asset down the line.
Intellectual Property in the Digital Age
It’s important to note that professional sports teams are not alone in recognizing the value of domains as intellectual property. Many major companies, including Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, have already taken steps to secure domain names that protect their brands and digital presence. These companies understand the strategic importance of owning the right domains, as it adds a layer of security to their intellectual property portfolio and prevents others from capitalizing on their brand value.
For sports teams, having the right .TEAM domain could go beyond simply being a digital asset—it could become a central part of their branding, fan engagement, and marketing efforts. Whether it’s creating a new online fan experience or leveraging the domain for future commercial opportunities, securing a .TEAM domain aligns with a team’s long-term digital strategy.
The Bottom Line: Act Now or Miss Out
The window of opportunity for securing valuable .TEAM domains is closing fast. Professional sports teams that wait too long may find themselves sidelined as flippers and third-party buyers snatch up these prime digital assets. Given the potential for future profits and the role these domains can play in protecting a team’s intellectual property, it’s clear that now is the time for sports organizations to secure their digital identity with a .TEAM domain.
As the domain name market continues to evolve, will American professional sports teams step up and make their move, or will they wait too long? The stakes are high, and the teams that act now will position themselves for success in an increasingly digital world. The question remains: will you secure your .TEAM domain before someone else does?
Edited by Deborah Jahan
