Symetra becomes inaugural founding partner of Seattle NHL team

Symetra Life Insurance has been named the inaugural founding partner and sponsor of Seattle’s expansion National Hockey League franchise.

The life insurance company, based in nearby Bellevue, Washington, will have its brand prominently showcased throughout the rebuilt New Arena at Seattle Center, including as the title sponsor of one of the venue’s premium clubs.

Symetra will also have branding at the Northgate Ice Centre, the team’s $85m training facility. Financial terms were not disclosed though Symetra chief executive Margaret Meister told Bloomberg it was the biggest marketing partnership in company history.

New Arena at Seattle Center is being refurbished to the cost of $930m – significantly up from the original $600m estimate – and is expected to reopen in the summer of 2021, with the Seattle franchise joining the NHL later in the year.

Earlier this year, Symetra became the jersey sponsor of the WNBA Seattle Storm in a 10-year partnership.