Kent-based T-Birds, Puyallup Tribe agree to partnership

Published 3:55 pm Tuesday, November 25, 2025

The Kent-based Seattle Thunderbirds junior hockey team has a new multi-year Heritage and Sponsorship Partnership with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians.

“The partnership reflects the Thunderbirds’ commitment to honoring Indigenous heritage and deepening community ties through meaningful collaboration,” according to a Nov. 20 press release from the team and the Puyallup Tribe. “As part of this new alliance, the Puyallup Tribe of Indians becomes the exclusive Tribal and casino partner of the Seattle Thunderbirds and accesso ShoWare Center.”

The T-Birds, a member of the Western Hockey League which features players ages 16 to 20, and city-owned arena previously had a partnership with the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, of Auburn. That partnership began when the ShoWare Center opened in 2009 and the T-Birds moved to Kent from Seattle.

No information about the financial amount of the partnership was in the press release. The T-Birds and Puyallup Tribe did not respond to Kent Reporter emails with questions about the financial amount of the partnership or the actual number of years of the agreement. The T-Birds also did not answer questions about why their agreement with the Muckleshoot Tribe ended. The Muckleshoot Tribe agreed in the past couple of years to partnerships with the Seattle Mariners and the Seattle Kraken.

Throughout each season, the T-Birds partnership will feature Puyallup Tribal Nights — marquee events showcasing the Tribe’s rich culture. The agreement includes youth and education programming with Tribal youth, including player visits planned to Chief Leschi Schools, mentorship opportunities to learn business and operations, and unique arena field trip experiences.

The Puyallup Tribe of Indians presence will be visible across multiple areas of the arena, including jersey patches, concourse signage, scoreboard integration, as well as radio, television, and streaming broadcasts, according to the press release. Those are messages designed to celebrate cultural pride and highlight the Tribe’s contributions to the region.

“We are deeply honored to partner with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians,” said Jason Thomsen, vice president of Corporate Partnerships for the Seattle Thunderbirds. “Their legacy and commitment to community perfectly align with our mission to use hockey as a platform for unity and shared pride throughout the South Sound.”

The Puyallup Tribal Council also issued a statement.

“This partnership represents more than advertising,” said the Puyallup Tribal Council, the Tribe’s elected governing body. “It’s about recognition, representation, and community. Together, we’re building opportunities for youth and celebrating the vibrant culture of the Puyallup people.”