Muckleshoot Indian Tribe has secured a deal with Seattle Kraken and its stadium Climate Pledge Arena to become the NHL franchise’s first-ever jersey patch sponsor.
Under the terms of the deal, the tribe will have its logo adorned on the right chest of the Kraken’s home and away jerseys throughout the NHL season.
The deal ensures that Muckleshoot becomes the first Indian Tribe to make such a sponsorship deal in the NHL.
“This joyful day brings with it a sense of hope, hope that our young people will see themselves represented by the team in the heart of Seattle and around the country with our Tribe’s logo on the front of every Kraken jersey,” commented Muckleshoot Tribal Chair, Jaison Elkins.
Penning a ‘multi-year deal’, the agreement expands upon a previous relationship which saw Muckleshoot bless the ground of the construction of the Climate Pledge Arena, home of the Kraken, in 2019.
This agreement is also aiming to celebrate the contributions that the tribe has made in Seattle and surrounding areas.
Donny Stevenson, Vice Chair of Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, said: “It goes all the way back to that listening session and arena blessing back in 2019. That laid the groundwork for the Kraken being involved in a way that, frankly, wasn’t a requirement.
“That’s how you build a relationship organically to arrive at the cool, really kind of crazy day we celebrated. You don’t run into that very often, where goals, priorities and values of organizations align so closely.”
Celebrating the agreement, several Kraken stars have attended tribal schools in the local area, including Morgan Geekie who delivered a hockey class to students.
“We launched our franchise with an eye to the future and an acknowledgment of the past,” added Tod Leiweke, Kraken CEO.
“This partnership manifests our gratitude and respect for the Muckleshoot People, past and present, who are the ancestral keepers of the land upon which Climate Pledge Arena sits and we play. We strive to amplify the voices of our Native Community.”
