Tampa’s downtown hockey and entertainment venue has a new name: Benchmark International Arena.
Benchmark International, a global mergers-and-acquisitions firm based in Tampa, signed a multiyear naming rights agreement with Vinik Sports Group, the owners of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The deal was announced at a news conference Wednesday morning at the arena.
The length and financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. However, Sports Business Journal, citing a source with knowledge of the agreement, said it was for 10 years and among the "top five richest" for an arena with only an NHL tenant.
Vinik Sports Group CEO Steve Griggs said he is “very happy” with the partnership, terms and dollar amount of the deal.
The renaming marks the end of a decade-long title partnership with Amalie Motor Oil. Griggs thanked Amalie for its “long-time” support and said the company will remain a corporate partner.
"They had an amazing run with us, and they gave us the opportunity to talk with other partners about this opportunity,” Griggs said.
He said the Port Tampa Bay-based oil manufactuer came to the Lightning a year ago to let them know the company would not be extending its naming rights deal.
The partnership with Benchmark International includes a full rebranding of the arena with new interior and exterior signage, digital integrations and renaming of the premium club level, Vinik Sports Group said.
The firm, which has headquarters in the West Shore Business District, has closed more than $12.5 billion in transaction value across multiple industries and is known for its strategic guidance to business owners seeking to grow or sell their companies. It has offices in 14 cities around the world.
"Benchmark International is an organization that leads with purpose," said Ostrover, co-CEO of the Blue Owl Capital investment group. "They’re global in their reach. They’re ambitious with their thinking and deeply committed to making a meaningful difference. In many ways they mirror our own goals here at the Lightning. Let’s operate with integrity. Let’s think boldly, but let’s stay grounded in community.”
CEO Tyrus O'Neill said his company will invest more than $3 million to nonprofit causes in the Tampa Bay region through joint community initiatives.
“Our focus is going to be health, education and hunger,” O’Neill said.
New name. Same stage for the unforgettable. Benchmark International Arena. pic.twitter.com/p7hqB03DQ5
— Benchmark International Arena (@benchmark_arena) August 13, 2025
O’Neill admitted Benchmark International may not be a household name since it mainly works with business owners. But he hopes the partnership with the Lightning will change that.
Griggs said, with where the economy is right now, it is difficult to find a company willing to sign a deal like this one.
“But if you find the right alignment with the right partners who have the same vision and values that we do … this becomes a great opportunity for them,” he said.
And it comes shortly after Vinik Sports Group announced a multiyear strategic concessionaire partnership with Denver-based Oak View Group, replacing longer food vendor Delaware North.
It also comes as the Vinik Sports Group has been in early discussions with and architectural firm Gensler and Hillsborough County about major renovations to the 29-year-old venue, according to Tampa Bay Business Journal.
The facility opened in 1996 as the Ice Palace. The rights were sold to the St. Petersburg Times, first as the St. Pete Times Forum and in 2012 as the Tampa Bay Times Forum. In 2014, the venue was renamed Amalie Arena.
“I just can’t tell you how incredibly proud I am to be part of this organization and to be part of this great city,” said Ostrover. “I’ve only been here a year. Plan on seeing a lot more of me. Plan on us being incredibly philanthropic. … It has been such a great experience being affiliated with this team and more importantly with this city.”
Ostrover, 63, who co-founded Blue Owl, has a net worth of $2.8 billion, according to Forbes. His group purchased the Lightning and Vinik Sports Group for a reported $1.8 billion. That’s about double the current NHL standard of $950 million, paid by Michael Andlauer for the Ottawa Senators in 2023.
O’Neill said there are no plans for his firm to take over ownership or operation of the team.
"That doesn't mean there can't be collaboration in the future,” he said.
