The Partnership

A Bold New Chapter

On August 13, 2025, Vinik Sports Group and Benchmark International announced a multi-year naming rights partnership, officially renaming Tampa Bay’s premier sports and entertainment venue to Benchmark International Arena. The agreement features extensive rebranding of the facility, including new exterior and interior signage, digital integrations, and the renaming of the premium club level as the “Benchmark International Club Level” with “The Mark” as its signature all-inclusive experience.

This alliance brings Benchmark International into collaboration with one of the NHL’s most respected organizations and ownership groups — now joined by Blue Owl Capital — aligning the firm with global brands that share its values of performance, integrity, and community impact.

Where Legacies Are Made

Located in the heart of downtown Tampa, Benchmark International Arena ushers in a landmark partnership between Benchmark International and Vinik Sports Group - home to the proud and storied Tampa Bay Lightning. 

This collaboration comes as the Lightning, now backed by Blue Owl Capital, one of the world’s leading alternative asset managers, embarks on a new era of global reach and business leadership. Together, Benchmark International and the Lightning are creating more than a premier venue for championship hockey and world-class entertainment - it is a symbol of shared ambition, community investment, and the pursuit of excellence.

Every partnership tells a story of purpose. For Benchmark International, this milestone is more than a name on a building - it’s a statement of intent.

A New Era

Global Standing

Built on Trust and Performance

Benchmark International has built its reputation on guiding business owners and operators through high-stakes growth and exit transitions - delivering value, strategic clarity, and global reach. For Benchmark International, the naming rights to this high-profile venue enable the firm to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with world-class brands in sport, entertainment and business. By aligning with the Tampa Bay Lightning and the transformation of this landmark arena, Benchmark International signals:

Presence with Prestige:

Aligning its name with an internationally recognized arena reflects the firm’s standing among respected institutions and sophisticated markets.

Commitment to Excellence:

Like the Lightning, Benchmark’s success is built on preparation, teamwork, and delivering championship-level results for every client.

Global Influence, Local Pride:

As a firm with worldwide reach and Tampa roots, Benchmark embodies the city’s growth story while extending its impact far beyond it.

Benchmark International is an organization that leads with purpose. 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.

Doug Ostrover
Co-CEO of the Blue Owl Capital

Before today, Benchmark International publicly would not have been a household name. This is putting us on a different national scale, which is going to help our clients, is going to help our market, is going to help all of our key stakeholders. - Tyrus O’Neill - CEO , Benchmark International Americas

Tyrus O`Neill
CEO, Benchmark International Americas

This partnership is a celebration of the people who make Benchmark International what it is, from our dedicated team members across the globe, to the clients who trust us with the most important decisions of their lives. We’ve built our reputation on delivering extraordinary results, and this opportunity allows us to bring that same energy into this exciting new chapter. Benchmark International Arena represents our continued investment in Tampa Bay, our passion for new ventures, and our belief in building something that lasts. We are proud to have our name on such a prestigious venue.

Tyrus O`Neill
CEO, Benchmark International Americas

We are honored to partner with Vinik Sports Group and the Tampa Bay Lightning, organizations that, like us, are committed to delivering excellence and giving back to the community. Benchmark International Arena will continue to be a destination where unforgettable moments and community connection come together under one roof

Steven Keane
Chairman and Co-Founder, Benchmark International

Benchmark International is a well-respected brand with global reach and strong ties to the Tampa Bay community. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to excellence, service, and community impact.

Steve Griggs
CEO, Vinik Sports Group
What makes this initiative so powerful is that it reflects the voices of fans and employees, ensuring the impact is guided by the people it serves. Together, we’re building something inclusive, purposeful, and truly representative of Tampa Bay.
Tyrus O`Neill
CEO Americas, Benchmark International
This is a proud moment for Benchmark International, and another first in our market space. We are honored to partner with Vinik Sports Group and the Tampa Bay Lightning – organizations that, like us, are committed to delivering excellence and giving back to the community. Benchmark International Arena will continue to be a destination where unforgettable moments and community connection come together under one roof.
Steven Keane
Chairman & Co-Founder, Benchmark International
Naming rights aren’t just about signage and branding. They’re about shared values. They’re about trust. And most of all, they’re about vision. Benchmark International is a organization that leads with purpose. They’re global with their reach, ambitious with their thinking, and deeply committed to making a meaningful difference.
Doug Ostrover
Cofounder and Co-CEO, Blue Owl Capital
We’re proud to welcome Benchmark International as the new naming-rights partner of our venue. Benchmark International is a well-respected brand with global reach and strong ties to the Tampa Bay community. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to excellence, service and community impact.
Steve Griggs
CEO, Vinik Sports Group

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