Sponsor threatens to cut ties if Eskimos don't change name

The Edmonton Eskimos could lose one of their main sponsors if they don't find a new nickname.

Belairdirect, a national car and home insurance company, said Tuesday that it intends to cut ties with the Eskimos if the club doesn't change its name. The company is a longtime sponsor of the team's 50/50 draw at Commonwealth Stadium.

"At Belairdirect one of our core values is respect, which is founded on seeing diversity as a strength, being inclusive and collaborative," the company said in a statement obtained by Matthew Black of CTV News.

"In order for us to move forward and continue on with our partnership with the Edmonton Eskimos, we will need to see concrete action in the near future, including a name change. We have shared our position with the team."

The Eskimos considered a nickname change last week but ultimately decided against it. The club maintains it will increase its engagement with the Inuit communities to assess their views.

In the NFL, the Washington Redskins are currently undergoing a "thorough review" of the franchise's nickname after multiple sponsors, investors, and shareholders requested a name change.