Friday, July 17, 2026

Kraken Released

Seattle Kraken
Photo Credit: Seattle Kraken

Seattle’s expansion NHL team now has a name: Kraken. Its logo was also unveiled yesterday, which features the team’s primary colors of ‘deep sea blue’ and ‘ice blue.’

The Kraken will take the ice in the 2021-2022 NHL season as the league’s 32nd team. It is owned by a group led by financier David Bonderman and movie director Jerry Bruckheimer, who paid an NHL-record $650 million for the expansion spot.

Its future home, a more than $900 million redevelopment of the former KeyArena, is expected to open ahead of its launch and will be shared with the WNBA’s Seattle Storm. Last month, Amazon purchased the naming rights, choosing to call it Climate Pledge Arena – a call to action around climate change efforts. More than 40,000 Seattle fans have already placed deposits for tickets, with the hockey capacity expected to be 17,400.

Other Sports Name News: 

— Washington, D.C.’s NFL Team announced it will be called the Washington Football Team until a new name and brand is settled on. Reports suggest the organization still wants a new name and brand prior to the start of this season.

— The MLS expansion team in Charlotte, N.C., announced its name and brand this week: Charlotte FC. The team, owned by Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper, begins play in 2022.

— UBS secured the naming rights to the New York Islanders’ new $1.5 billion arena in a 20-year deal.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

A giant screen broadcasts the U.S. and Belgium World Cup match during an outdoor watch party on Gay St. on July 6, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.

MLS Commish: World Cup ‘Proved We Are a Soccer Nation’

The commissioner said the event has “brought out the best” from the U.S.

MLS Commish: ‘We’ve Got a Lot of Boats’ on Soccer’s Rising Tide

The league eyes significant growth in the wake of a massive World Cup.

NHL’s New 84-Game Schedule Brings Earlier Start, High-Profile Games

The expanded slate leans further in to a series of key events.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

A Conversation with MLS Commissioner Don Garber on World Cup, Messi, Future & More

0:00

Featured Today

Tom's Watch Bar

Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer

The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.
Jun 16, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; France forward Michael Olise (11) controls the ball against Senegal during a Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium
July 16, 2026

Where World Cup Stars Go to Customize Their Cleats

The world’s best players turn to a Scottish craftsman for perfect cleats.
July 10, 2026

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.
St. John's Zuby Ejiofor

Why Rev-Share Era Hasn’t Been a Boon for Basketball-Only Schools

Power conference men’s basketball rosters aren’t restricted to the rev-share cap.
NBA Cup
November 26, 2025

Luka Dončić Wants ‘Dangerous’ NBA Cup Court Designs Changed

Dončić first complained about the court designs two seasons ago.
February 11, 2026

Jameis Winston Says He’s Given Seven Figures to Florida State

Winston led Florida State football to its last national championship. 
Sponsored

Clase Azul Tequila Founder’s Soccer Ownership

Arturo Lomeli talks about managing a tequila brand and two soccer clubs.
Fernando Tatis
October 6, 2025

Arbitrator Says Tatis Jr. Must Pay Big League Advance Millions

Tatis has called the agreement a “predatory” loan.
September 3, 2025

Ohio State–Texas Showdown Was Most-Watched Week 1 CFB Game Ever

Fox drew 16.62 million viewers on Saturday afternoon.
Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Woodi Washington (5) runs after a reception during the Armed Forces Bowl football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Navy Midshipmen at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, Friday, Dec. 27, 2024.
August 19, 2025

Oklahoma Selling Fans Tickets to Press Conferences

Press conference tickets for the Sooners’ season opener are already sold out.
August 11, 2025

NBA Christmas Slate Leans on LeBron, Steph; Bets on Flagg

The Lakers, Warriors, and Rockets are all in action.