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

Social Feed

Behind The Scenes

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Opening Night at Benchmark International Arena!️🏒 Benchmark International was proud to sponsor Opening Night as the Tampa Bay Lightning kicked off the 2026-27 season and the second season of Benchmark International Arena. We welcomed guests, partners and friends to celebrate the start of another Lightning season and experience the energy of Opening Night together. Here’s to another season of Lightning hockey in Tampa Bay. Go Bolts!   #BenchmarkInternational #TampaBayLightning #GoBolts #TampaBay #benchmarkinternationalpartnerships
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Testimonial Tuesday This week, we hear from Susi Astengo of Coach Matching, who reflects on how Benchmark International’s transparent communication, strategic guidance, and commitment to understanding her business created a collaborative experience from start to finish. #BenchmarkSuccess #BenchmarkInternational #TestimonialTuesday
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What happens when you’re ready to sell your business, then suddenly have second thoughts?   Keith Marshall, Founder of @smicoldtherapy , gets candid with Dara Shareef about the moment he paused the deal, why he needed time to think, and what ultimately gave him confidence to move forward.   🎙️ A new season of Closing Remarks debuts tomorrow. Stay tuned. Link in bio.   #BenchmarkInternational #ClosingRemarks #Podcast
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While we’re behind the scenes… we’re bringing back a conversation worth catching. New episode drops this Wednesday! When business gets tough, do you stay in the foxhole or come out and fight? That was the analogy @ScottFink shared with his team during Cash for Clunkers. While others pulled back, Scott pushed forward. His dealership went from selling roughly 180–200 cars a month to 350, gaining market share and building customer relationships along the way. Hear Scott, Chairman and CEO of Giant Auto Group–Fink Auto Group and owner of @vwofwesleychapel and @subaruofwesleychapel, unpack the strategy with Dara Shareef on Closing Remarks. 🎙️ Watch now on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and share! Stay tuned. Link in bio. #ClosingRemarks #BenchmarkInternational
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Previously on Closing Remarks… The biggest risk in an acquisition isn’t always the numbers. Sometimes, it’s the culture. Dara Shareef sits down with Josh Weis, CEO of Vehlo and former Executive Vice President of @ministrybrandsofficial, to unpack why culture clashes can derail even strong deals, what leaders can learn from supporting automotive partners, and strategies to help teams navigate change and keep integrations on track. 🎙️ Watch now on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and share! Stay tuned. Link in bio. #ClosingRemarks #BenchmarkInternational
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We’re ready for another season of @tblightning hockey!️ This morning Benchmark International and @metwestinternational hosted a Lightning Pep Rally to celebrate the start of the 2026-2027 season, bringing our community together for some Bolts spirit, breakfast, and a little fun ahead of tomorrow night’s home opener. Let’s go, Bolts!️🏒 #BenchmarkInternational #GoBolts #TampaBayLightning
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Benchmark International and the Tampa Bay Lightning are kicking off the 2026-27 season by giving back to the Tampa Bay community through Strikes of Kindness. Together, we awarded $300,000 in grants to 12 local nonprofits, with each organization receiving $25,000 to support the work they do across our community. We’re proud to support these organizations and the meaningful impact they’re making throughout Tampa Bay. #BenchmarkInternational #StrikesOfKindness #TampaBay #BenchmarkInternationalPartnerships
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What keeps a family business thriving for more than a century? For Casey Gonzmart http://Jr., it starts with staying connected to the people who make it possible. 🤝 🎙️ On Closing Remarks, host Dara Shareef and Casey explore how walking the dining rooms, listening to team members, and learning from guests continues to shape the leadership behind @columbiarestaurant, @uleletampa, and @santostefanotpa. ️ Catch up on the conversation. 🎙️ Watch now on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and share! Stay tuned. Link in bio. #ClosingRemarks #BenchmarkInternational #Podcast #Business
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Benchmark International and the Tampa Bay Lightning are proud to donate $300,000 to 12 local organizations through Strikes of Kindness. 🤝 And the impact doesn’t stop there. Throughout the season, our teams will volunteer alongside these organizations and shine a light on the incredible work they do every day. Together, we’re turning kindness into action and making a lasting impact across Tampa Bay. #BenchmarkInternational #TampaBay
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The next season is in the works. Until then, rewind with us. Cue the replay. A $20 million deal doesn’t always mean a $20 million check at closing. The way a deal is structured can be just as important as the price itself. Host Dara Shareef and Wade Duncan explore retained equity, seller notes, earnouts, and what business owners should understand before they sell. Press play and catch up on the conversation. Watch now on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and share! Stay tuned. Link in bio. #ClosingRemarks #BenchmarkInternational #Podcast #Business
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We’re hitting pause, not stop, to let you catch up. It’s time to run it back. “It’s a matter of education. It’s a matter of what’s going on in the market.” What could the M&A market reveal about your next move? @tyrus_oneill and Dara Shareef discuss how understanding the market can help business owners see their options more clearly, from raising capital to a potential exit. 🎙️ Watch now on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and share! Stay tuned. Link in bio. #BenchmarkInternational #ClosingRemarks #Podcast
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A proud moment for Benchmark International and a meaningful step for education in Tampa Bay. Dara Shareef has been named an inaugural member of the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County’s Blue Ribbon Council. His service continues a shared commitment to expanding opportunity, supporting education, and building stronger communities. #BenchmarkInternational #SettingtheBenchmark
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Season One was just the beginning. We’re bringing Closing Remarks back this October for another season of candid conversations, new perspectives, and voices from across the table. See you in Season Two. #ClosingRemarks #BenchmarkInternational #MergersAndAcquisitions
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Testimonial Tuesday This week, we hear from Steven Nolan of Robotics & Drives, who shares how Benchmark International’s guidance and hands-on support helped make the process of bringing the business to market more seamless, from identifying buyers to coordinating interviews. #BenchmarkSuccess #BenchmarkInternational #TestimonialTuesday
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🎞️ While Season 2 is in production… we're rolling the recap. What can you learn from the M&A market, even if you’re years away from selling? @benjaminwagner joins Dara Shareef for a special Q&A on what going to market can reveal about where your business stands today and what opportunities may be ahead. 🎙️ Watch now on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and share! Stay tuned. Link in bio. #BenchmarkInternational #ClosingRemarks #Podcast #Business #MergersAndAcquisitions
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Missed the episode featuring Andrew Wright? Previously on Closing Remarks...Dara Shareef spoke with @tampa_wright of @franklinstreet.cre., a leader behind Ally Capital Group and @nextlevelbrandstampa, about what it takes to keep building through both good and challenging markets. Hard work, trust, and consistency matter no matter what the market is doing. Grab your headphones and hear some incredible lessons on building . 🎙️ Watch now on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and share! Stay tuned. Link in bio. #ClosingRemarks #BenchmarkInternational #Podcast #Entrepreneur #BusinessLeader
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Roll the recap. What makes one business attract more buyer interest than another? Dara Shareef talks with @kaylasullivan3 about why having a thoughtful advisor and searching beyond the obvious buyers can make all the difference. Sometimes, finding the right buyer means looking under every rock. 🎙️ Watch now on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and share! Stay tuned. Link in bio. #BenchmarkInternational #ClosingRemarks #Podcast
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While the cameras take five…learn more about one of our hard-hitting episodes. “No business grows based on name alone.” @titusoneilwwe, President and Chair of the Bullard Family Foundation, sits down with Dara Shareef to talk about the people, purpose, and authenticity behind building something that lasts. 🎙️ Watch now on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and share! Stay tuned. #BenchmarkInternational #ClosingRemarks #Podcast
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🎞️ Roll it back. There’s always more to the person than the title. 💭 For @jerry.bell.5817, former tight end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, football was part of his story, but it never defined the whole person. From leadership to business and serving on boards, each experience has played a part in who he is today. Jerry Bell of Bell & Associates Business Consultants joins Dara Shareef to share more about the experiences that shaped his career. 🎙️ Watch now on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and share! Stay tuned. Link in bio. #BenchmarkInternational #ClosingRemarks #Podcast
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A proud moment made possible by the people behind it. Benchmark International has been recognized as the 2027 Best Financial Services Firm of the Year as part of the American Business Vanguard Awards, organized by GPMG. Awards recognize achievement, but this one also represents something we value deeply: the relationships built along the way. To our team, clients, and partners, thank you for being part of this recognition. #BenchmarkInternational #Awards #SettingTheBenchmark
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What if getting better at your strengths isn’t where you’ll make the biggest impact? As @jwilkins31 says: “Your marginally improved strengths are never going to be as impactful as your delegated weaknesses.” Jordan Wilkins and Dara Shareef explore why recognizing your weaknesses and trusting capable people to take ownership can help move the business forward. 🎙️ Watch the full Q&A now on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and share! Link in bio. Stay tuned. #BenchmarkInternational #ClosingRemarks
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Between seasons, we rewind. 💭 What happens when years of business value suddenly become personal wealth? Blake Poole from @bernsteinpwm, accompanied by Christopher Steele, talks with Dara Shareef about core versus surplus and the decisions that can follow an exit. 🎙️ Watch now on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and share! Link in bio. Stay tuned. #BenchmarkInternational #ClosingRemarks #Podcast #Business
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Testimonial Tuesday This week, we hear from John Corcoran of Pinta Crew Limited, who shares how Benchmark International’s strategic approach helped identify the right buyer while keeping the company’s legacy, people, and future at the forefront throughout the process. #BenchmarkSuccess #BenchmarkInternational #TestimonialTuesday
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Cut! That’s a wrap… for now. Closing Remarks is taking a season break, but the M&A conversations aren’t stopping. As we gear up for what’s next, tune in each day as we rewind conversations, insights, and standout moments from this season. What can business leaders learn from the mindset of a champion? For @officialdbrooks55, COO of @usfathletics, success was never about proving the doubters wrong. It was becoming the best version of himself, learning from those ahead of him, and continuing to raise his own expectations. Derrick and Dara Shareef talk about a lesson that reaches far beyond football: growth comes from measuring yourself against who you were yesterday, not everyone around you. 🎙️ Watch now on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and share! Stay tuned. #ClosingRemarks #BenchmarkInternational #Podcast #BusinessLeader #Business #Mindset
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Celebrating the women at Benchmark International whose leadership, expertise, and dedication continue to make an impact every day. Happy Business Women’s Day. #BusinessWomensDay #BenchmarkInternational #WomenInBusiness