Since its opening in 2000, Xcel Energy 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 energy 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.” The name change occurs at a pivotal time for the arena. The owners of the Wild have been advocating for a $769 million makeover of the arena complex, which also encompasses the RiverCentre convention center and the Roy Wilkins Auditorium. With the contract ending, the Wild are looking for a new partner to slap their name on the building before the 2025-26 season.

For fans, this change is a bit like trading a favorite player. “The X” is woven into Wild lore—home to Kirill Kaprizov’s dazzling goals and playoff heartbreaks. “We are extremely thankful for our 25-year naming and team marketing rights partnership with Xcel Energy,” Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold said. “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.“

Naming rights deals are a big business in the NHL with teams racking up millions in 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. Now, while the naming rights deal between Xcel Energy and the Minnesota Wild was worth around $3 million a year, an agreement with a new partner could see a considerable bump in numbers.

“We are extremely thankful for our 25-year naming and team marketing rights partnership with Xcel Energy,” said Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leopold. “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,” he added.

The Minnesota Wild Community Relations and Hockey Partnerships department and Xcel Energy will collaborate to promote greater access for kids and families across the state to the game of ice hockey. The initiative entitled “Community Power Play” will offer grants to youth hockey associations, with an emphasis on financial aid to young players who could be hindered from pursuing the sport by acquiring equipment and making local rinks and other facilities more accessible to all members of the community.

Moreover, more could change for the Xcel Energy Center than just its name, as reports suggest that the Wild Ownership and the city of St. Paul have approached the state to help them finance a $770 million facelift of the entire complex which also includes the RiverCentre and the Roy Wilkins Auditorium. But for now, fans will be eager for the postseason looking for the Wild’s playoff showdown.

Minnesota Wild gear up for NHL playoff showdown

After a nail-biting finish to the regular season, the Wild clinched the Western Conference’s first wild-card spot with 95 points, thanks to their 3-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks on April 15. Had Matt Boldy and Joel Eriksson Ek not scored in overtime, then they would have needed either the Calgary Flames or the St. Louis Blues to lose. But now, they’re set to face the Vegas Golden Knights in a first-round clash that’s got fans buzzing.

The series promises intensity, with Kirill Kaprizov’s flair and

Marc-André Fleury’s veteran heroics in his final season, fueling hopes for a deep run. At home, the Xcel Energy Center is gearing up for Games 3 and 4 in the playoffs, with a chance for Game 6 if the series stretches. The X, a fan-favourite venue since 2000, has seen epic moments like the Wild’s first playoff win in 2003. Expect sellout crowds chanting for their team as the arena’s iconic atmosphere takes over.

This is the Wild’s 14th NHL playoff appearance, but they’ve yet to hoist the Cup. Their 2002-03 Western Conference Final run remains the high point, and fans are hungry for more. The Minnesota Wild are back in the playoffs, and the Xcel Energy Center is about to light up with postseason fever. Facing Vegas is no small task, but with seasoned veterans and a raucous home crowd, the Wild have a shot to make noise.