The Minnesota Wild are set to enter a new era as the Xcel Energy Center, their home for the past 25 years, will be renamed after this summer. The announcement came on April 15, 2025, as the team confirmed that while Xcel Energy's naming rights will expire, the power company will continue its partnership with the Wild.
Wild owner Craig Leipold expressed gratitude for the longstanding relationship, stating, "We are extremely thankful for our 25-year naming and team marketing rights partnership with Xcel Energy. 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." This partnership has been pivotal since the Wild's inception, helping both brands gain recognition across the state.
As part of the new agreement, Xcel Energy will launch the "Community Power Play" program, aimed at expanding access to ice hockey for children and families throughout Minnesota, affectionately dubbed the State of Hockey. The initiative will provide grants to youth and high school hockey organizations, focusing on three key areas: financial assistance for young athletes facing barriers to participation, funding for equipment and ice time, and investments in local rinks and facilities.
Bob Frenzel, Xcel Energy's chairman, president, and CEO, noted the significance of the partnership, saying, "25 years ago, the Minnesota Wild and Xcel Energy were new brands in the region. 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."
While the Wild are preparing for a new naming rights partner to be announced before the start of the 2025-2026 NHL season, plans for the arena's future are also in the works. The team, alongside the City of St. Paul, is seeking assistance from the Minnesota Legislature for a significant renovation of the arena complex, which includes the RiverCentre convention hall and the Roy Wilkins Auditorium. The proposed renovation is estimated to cost around $769 million, with hopes that the legislature will contribute half of the funding.
The Wild's home, the Xcel Energy Center, has been a cornerstone for hockey fans since it opened in 2000, following the NHL's expansion that brought the team to Minnesota after the North Stars left. The arena has hosted countless memorable moments, from thrilling playoff games to community events, and it has become a symbol of Minnesota's rich hockey culture.
As the Wild transition into this new chapter, they remain committed to fostering community engagement and supporting the next generation of hockey players. The continuation of their partnership with Xcel Energy is a testament to their shared values and dedication to making hockey accessible for all.
Fans and community members alike are eager to see what the future holds for the Wild and their home arena. With a new naming rights partner on the horizon and exciting developments in the works, the anticipation is building as the 2025-2026 NHL season approaches.
In summary, the Minnesota Wild are not just changing the name of their arena; they are embarking on a mission to enhance the hockey experience for everyone in Minnesota. With the support of Xcel Energy and the upcoming renovations, the Wild are set to continue their legacy in a fresh and impactful way.
