Sports
Vinik Sports Group, Benchmark International Announce Naming Rights Deal for Tampa Bay Arena
TAMPA BAY, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – Vinik Sports Group (VSG) and Benchmark International have announced a landmark multi-year naming rights partnership for Tampa Bay’s premier sports and entertainment venue. Beginning August 13, 2025, AMALIE Arena will officially be renamed Benchmark International Arena. The agreement includes more than $3 million in non-profit contributions to benefit the Tampa Bay community.
A New Era for Tampa Bay’s Arena
“We’re proud to welcome Benchmark International as the new naming rights partner of our venue,” said VSG CEO Steve Griggs. “Benchmark International is a well-respected brand with global reach and strong ties to the Tampa Bay community. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to excellence, service, and community impact.” Griggs also expressed gratitude to AMALIE Motor Oil for its longstanding partnership, noting the brand will remain a corporate partner.
Benchmark International, a global leader in mergers and acquisitions, has closed over $12.5 billion in transaction value across industries. With headquarters in Tampa and offices worldwide, the firm is known for delivering high-value solutions to business owners. “We are honored to partner with Vinik Sports Group and the Tampa Bay Lightning,” said Benchmark International Chairman and Co-Founder Steven Keane. “Benchmark International Arena will continue to be a place for unforgettable moments and community connection.”
Community Investment and Arena Upgrades
The rebranding will feature new exterior and interior signage, digital integrations, and the renaming of the premium club level to the Benchmark International Club Level, featuring The Mark as its signature all-inclusive experience. The partnership includes joint community initiatives totaling over $3 million in non-profit contributions aligned with both organizations’ mission to create meaningful local impact.
“This is a celebration of the people who make Benchmark International what it is,” said Tyrus O’Neill, CEO of Benchmark International Americas. “This opportunity reflects our continued investment in Tampa Bay and our passion for building something that lasts.”
Legacy and Celebration Events
Since opening in 1996, the arena has hosted millions of fans, major concerts, and championship moments, including three Stanley Cup victories. The rebrand will roll out in phases ahead of the 2025-26 Tampa Bay Lightning season, presented by AdventHealth. To mark the transition, VSG and Benchmark International will host free community events in October, with details to be announced soon.
“This arena belongs to everyone in Tampa Bay,” said Griggs. “We’re excited to invite fans, families, and the entire community to be part of this historic new chapter.”
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J Willie David, III | Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
Davison scores 26 points, Branham adds 23 and Osceola records 23 steals to open its season with a victory at Silver Spurs Arena.
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Osceola Magic opened their season with a record-setting defensive performance, collecting 23 steals and forcing 35 turnovers in a 97-89 victory over the Oklahoma City Blue on Sunday, Nov. 8, at Silver Spurs Arena.
JD Davison scored a game-high 26 points and Malaki Branham added 23 as Osceola established a franchise record for steals and matched its record for opponent turnovers. Osceola Magic
Defense drives the comeback
Oklahoma City led 31-22 after the first quarter and 44-43 at halftime. Osceola pulled even at 70 entering the fourth quarter, then outscored the Blue 27-19 over the final period.
The victory gave Osceola a 1-0 start and dropped Oklahoma City to 0-2. Zhaire Smith led the Blue with 19 points, while Christoph Tilly contributed 13 points and 10 rebounds. gleague.nba.com
Osceola’s defensive pressure helped offset Oklahoma City’s early advantage. The Blue finished just 5 of 29 from 3-point range, shooting 17.2%.
Six Magic players recorded multiple steals, led by Johnell Davis’ career-high six — one short of the franchise record. Davison collected four, Jarron Cumberland had three, and Ace Baldwin Jr., Branham and Mike Sharavjamts each added two.
Malaki Branham leans into his drive while keeping his dribble low as an Oklahoma City Blue defender guards him during the Osceola Magic’s season opener. Photo by Bernie Walls / Florida National News.
Davison and Branham lead the offense
Davison and Branham combined for 49 points, accounting for more than half of Osceola’s scoring.
Au’Diese Toney contributed 14 points in his return to Osceola, including a late 3-pointer that helped secure the victory.
Davis provided another boost off the bench with 11 points and a career-best-tying four assists, complementing his disruptive defensive performance.
Sharavjamts makes professional debut
Sharavjamts posted a team-best plus-12 rating in 24 minutes during his professional debut. Osceola outscored Oklahoma City by 12 points while he was on the floor. Osceola Magic
What’s next for the Osceola Magic?
Following a scheduled road matchup with the Memphis Hustle on Tuesday, Nov. 10, Osceola returns to Silver Spurs Arena to host the Mexico City Capitanes on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 7 p.m. Eastern. Member News
The Magic’s challenge will be to sustain the defensive pressure that helped them overcome an early nine-point deficit in the opener.
NEW YORK CITY, NY (FNN SPORTS) – LIV Golf plans to begin winding down operations Monday, Nov. 9, following five years and more than $5 billion in spending.
Attorney Matthew Williams outlined the league’s plans during a bankruptcy court hearing Thursday, Nov. 5, in New Jersey. The process includes selling its remaining assets.
“We believe the wind down path is the best path,” Williams told the court.
LIV Golf confirmed the decision after a proposed restructuring deal fell through. The league said it will continue considering alternatives during the shutdown process.
TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — On Monday November 2, at the Yuengling Center, the South Florida women’s basketball team opened with a successful debut undernew head coach Kristy Curry.
The Bulls established control early with a 9–0 opening run, taking a 27–12 lead after the first quarter. Furman narrowed the margin before halftime, but South Florida maintained a 46–32 advantage heading into the break.
A dominant third quarter proved decisive, as USF outscored Furman 23–9 to extend its lead to 69–41 entering the fourth.
Balanced Scoring Leads the Bulls
Stefanie Ingram led South Florida with 15 points, followed by Hannah Kohn with 13 and Kendall Puryear with 12 points and nine rebounds.
The Bulls placed six players in double figures, shot 51.6 percent from the field and controlled the boards with a 48–25 rebounding advantage.
A Winning Debut for Kristy Curry
The victory marked Curry’s first win leading South Florida after arriving from Alabama.
Ahead of the season opener, Curry expressed confidence in the program’s potential:
“I’m so excited to be here. I truly think the sky’s the limit at USF.”
— Kristy Curry, USF Head Coach, in pregame remarks published by USF Athletics.
South Florida (1–0) will face Belmont on Friday, November 6, in Nashville, Tennessee.
– Nisey Spruill is a reporter and photojournalist for Florida National News (FNN), covering major news, sports and special events across Florida and nationwide. Contact sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
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