Sharks to stay at SAP Center through 2025

In what so far has been a nightmarish 2015, San Jose Sharks fans can at least take solace in knowing their team won’t be moving anytime soon.

At a press conference involving San Jose mayor Sam Liccardo and Sharks majority owner Hasso Plattner Friday afternoon, the Sharks announced a long-term extension to stay at SAP Center through 2025.

The lease has the potential to be extended through 2040 if the two sides choose to renew the deal on an annual basis, meaning the Sharks could call SAP Center home for the next 25 years.

In a press release, Plattner — a co-founder of SAP — stated:

“I am very pleased that we have been able to reach an agreement with the City of San José to keep the Sharks where they belong – in downtown San Jose. … Our fans are what truly make SAP Center a special place — the best home-ice advantage in hockey — and we’re excited that the Sharks will remain here long term.”

Plattner did acknowledge the need for renovations to the building nicknamed the “Shark Tank.” The 22-year-old arena was constructed in 1993, the year the Sharks moved down from the Cow Palace. Despite being one of the NHL’s oldest stadiums, SAP Center doesn’t appear outdated or in need of major changes, which Plattner made clear.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman added:

“The lease extension underscores Hasso Plattner’s commitment to the San Jose community, provides the long-term continuity that he always has prioritized, and ensures that one of our proudest and most-successful franchises will stay at SAP Center for many years to come.”

Indeed, the Sharks have seen tremendous success at home in the past two decades. They have made the playoffs 10 of the last 11 seasons, and recently saw nearly five-year sellout streak end at 205 games this past season. Since its inception, nearly 35 million people have attended events at the SAP Center.

Said Plattner:

“I love this arena and this is the only place we want to call home.”