Commentary: Coal, gas naming rights deals don’t erase outsized rate hikes, extractive harm done to WV

By: Paula Kaufman

Outlets: West Virginia Watch

Published: August 28, 2026

Words: 773

Last Updated: 10 hours, 23 minutes ago

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In September 2025, for the first time in its 55-year-old history, West Virginia University announced it had sold naming rights for the former WVU Coliseum to energy company, Hope Gas. Under a 10-year agreement, it will be known as “Hope Coliseum.” According to the university, the deal covers sponsorships and future donations to athletics.

With that, Hope Gas executed a tried and true soft power move. Coal and gas …

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