The Xcel Energy Center has been more than just a venue for the Minnesota Wild’s home games. Since its opening in 2000, the arena has hosted over 900 Wild games, numerous concerts, and community events, earning a reputation as one of the NHL’s premier facilities. The naming rights deal with Xcel Energy, a Minneapolis-based utility company, was inked as part of the arena’s construction and has remained in place for the entirety of the Wild’s existence. For 25 years, “the X” has been the heart of hockey in St. Paul. But hold onto your jerseys—come June 30, 2025, the Wild’s naming rights deal with Xcel Energy wraps up, and the team is on the hunt for a new arena name.
NHL News took to their X handle to spill the tea. The tweet said, ” #MNWild announce their arena naming rights agreement with Xcel Energy will conclude this summer after 25 years. The team will continue to work with Xcel Energy in the community but expects to have a new arena naming rights partner before the start of next season.” With the contract ending, the Wild are looking for a new partner to slap their name on the building before the 2025-26 season.
Naming rights deals are big business in the NHL—some teams rake in millions a year. For instance, according to Sports Business Journal, the New York Islanders’ UBS Arena deal is worth a cool $350 million over 20 years, with the yearly payout being around $17.5 million. Compared to that, the naming rights deal between Xcel Energy and the Minnesota Wild was worth $3 million a year, per a report by The Business Journals. But a deal with a new partner could see a considerable bump in numbers.
NEWS: #MNWild announce their arena naming rights agreement with Xcel Energy will conclude this summer after 25-years.
The team will continue to work with Xcel Energy in the community but expects to have a new arena naming rights partner before the start of next season
— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) April 15, 2025
The story is developing…
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