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The arena naming rights agreement between Xcel Energy and the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Minnesota Wild is set to conclude this summer after a 25-year partnership.
The Wild said it expects to announce a new arena naming rights partner before the start of the 2025-26 NHL season.
Although the naming rights deal is almost over, the Minneapolis-based company has entered into a new multi-year partnership that will see it be a “major community and business partner of the Minnesota Wild”.
“We are extremely thankful for our 25-year naming and team marketing rights partnership with Xcel Energy,” said Minnesota Wild owner, Craig Leipold.
“Xcel Energy has been an incredible supporter of our team since our inaugural season, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate with them on a number of unique community initiatives as part of our new, long-term partnership.”
As part of the new partnership, Xcel Energy will launch its Community Power Play initiative to expand access to the sport for children and families.
The programme will provide grants to youth and high school hockey organisations with a focus on three areas.
These are financial assistance for young athletes who face barriers to the sport, purchase of equipment and ice time to make the sport more affordable, and investments and improvements into local rinks and facilities.
“25 years ago, the Minnesota Wild and Xcel Energy were new brands in the region,” said Xcel Energy chairman, president and chief executive Bob Frenzel.
“Today, these two brands have become embedded in our community and our culture.
“This new chapter with the Wild extends our commitment to the region and will serve to expand access to the sport of hockey so that more young girls and boys across the state can access and more fully engage in this wonderful sport.”
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