- Details
- By Tribal Business News Staff
- Economic Development
The Puyallup Tribe of Indians has entered a multi-year heritage and sponsorship partnership with the Seattle Thunderbirds hockey team, becoming the exclusive tribal and casino partner of the Western Hockey League franchise and its home venue, accesso ShoWare Center in Kent, Washington.
The agreement includes prominent tribal presence throughout the arena, with branding on jersey patches, concourse signage and scoreboard displays, as well as integration across radio, television and streaming broadcasts. The partnership will feature annual Puyallup Tribal Nights showcasing the tribe's culture.
Youth engagement forms a central component of the deal. Programming includes player visits to Chief Leschi Schools, mentorship opportunities for tribal youth in business and operations, and arena field trip experiences.
"This partnership represents more than advertising," the Puyallup Tribal Council said in a statement. "It's about recognition, representation, and community. Together, we're building opportunities for youth and celebrating the vibrant culture of the Puyallup people."
Jason Thomsen, vice president of corporate partnerships for the Seattle Thunderbirds, said the tribe's commitment to community aligns with the team's mission to use hockey as a platform for unity across the South Sound region.
The Puyallup Tribe is a sovereign nation with more than 6,000 enrolled members and ranks among Pierce County's largest employers. Since 2012, the tribe has donated more than $24 million to local nonprofits through its Charity Trust Board, with additional contributions from Tribal Council funding.
The partnership launches during the 2025-26 hockey season. Other tribes have established similar partnerships with professional sports teams in recent years, including the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe's deals with the Seattle Mariners, Seattle Kraken and Seattle Seahawks, and the Phoenix Suns' ORIGINATIV programming celebrating Arizona's 22 tribal communities.
