'Absolute disgrace': Deputy Premier takes aim at Opera House over logo 'cash grab'
NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro has accused the Sydney Opera House Trust of a "cash grab" by demanding rich licensing fees from sports teams who use the landmark's likeness in logos.
The Herald revealed last week that the Swans, Roosters and Sixers could be the next teams asked to cough up after the NBL declared it was no longer "cost-viable" for the Sydney Kings to keep using the logo they've had since 1988, which features a resemblance of the Opera House sails.
The Opera House had asked the NBL, which owns the Kings' intellectual property, for an annual fee of $50,000. A spokesperson said the approach to negotiations was part of an "ongoing process to ensure consistency in commercial brand use and trademark licence".
The Opera House has since told radio station 2GB that its asking price to the NBL had reduced, but the fact it is seeking any money at all has incensed Barilaro, who vowed to "look into" the matter.
"This is a disgrace. This is paid by Australian taxpayers, built by Australians. It’s iconic," he said on 2GB.
"It’s not just Sydney, it represents everything we are. Having that logo used by sporting groups at a local level, state level is absolutely the best way you can promote, one, the Opera House; two, Sydney and NSW.
NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro isn't happy with the Sydney Opera House Trust.Credit:Nick Moir
"This $50,000 asking price is a joke, an absolute disgrace, it is a cash grab.
"At a time when we are hurting, businesses are hurting and corporate dollar is drying up for sporting groups, the Opera House thinks it is above all of that."
The Swans, Roosters and Sixers all give nods to the Opera House in their logos in a similar way to the Kings. So too does Sydney FC, but the A-League club brokered a cash and contra deal with the Opera House Trust when they changed their badge three years ago.
"[They should] drop it altogether. This is just a cash grab by an elite group of society that run the Opera House and something that I’m bloody annoyed with," Barilaro said.
"This is an opportunity for the Opera House to be a good corporate citizen and drop all their fees for the next period so we can support all our sporting teams and this city."
The Opera House has been contacted for comment.