We’d have gone with Black Cocks
In perhaps the worst case of branding since the Chevy Nova in Spain, the new Houston MLS franchise is named 1836. There’s a huge controversey because 1836 is the year Houston was founded but also the year Texas broke away from Mexico so the Latinos in Houston are upset. Way to alienate a huge part of your target audience.
Aside from the historical implications and ethnic insensivity, this is the worst name in modern sports. (Well, maybe second to The New Zealand Black Cocks.) The owner of the 1836 decided to be all Euro and name the team after a naming convention in European leagues. The only problem with that is that the name itself is awkward and hard to market. The 49ers and 76ers are easily recognizable because of the role they play in American history. Even so, most people refer to them as the Niners or Sixers. Well, the 1836ers just doesn’t have the same ring, does it? I guess it’s too late to change all the logos and stationary.
[Eric Casssano]: A very bad year
