Approved: Sharks Secure Their Future in San Jose Until 2051
The San Jose City Council has given the green light to a crucial agreement that ensures the Sharks’ permanence in the city until the year 2051. The decision, made unanimously this Tuesday, involves a significant renovation of the SAP Center, the team’s home. Mayor Matt Mahan and the ten council members approved the deal, committing the city to invest $325 million in the modernization of SAP Center, a 32-year-old venue owned by the city. Team owner Hasso Plattner will contribute an additional $100 million. Plattner has already invested more than $100 million in stadium improvements over the last decade, demonstrating his commitment to the team’s infrastructure.The agreement includes a clause that would penalize the Sharks if they decided to leave the city before June 30, 2051, the expiration date of the lease. In addition, planning will begin for a new stadium, with the aim of starting this process in September 2027. The Sharks, who began their journey in 1991, settled in their downtown San Jose stadium in 1993. Jonathan Becher, team president, expressed his satisfaction with the agreement: “While we have consistently invested our own funds to maintain the city-owned SAP Center, and intend to continue to do so, this partnership with the city of San Jose will bring much-needed renovations and improvements for stadium attendees, teams, and artists.”The Sharks are proud to have played in San Jose for over 30 years and look forward to enjoying 25 more years.
Jonathan Becher, Team President
