The San Jose Sharks have secured a long‑term future in the heart of downtown after completing the purchase of a two‑story office building that had been owned by Google. The deal guarantees the franchise’s headquarters will remain in San Jose for the next 25 years, providing the stability needed for expanded operations and a series of upgrades to the nearby SAP Center.
A New Era for Downtown San Jose
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan praised the transaction as a pivotal moment for the city, saying the Sharks’ continued presence will help breathe new life into the downtown core and reinforce the city’s revitalization efforts.
The purchased property, a 22,100‑square‑foot building across the street from the SAP Center, was part of Google’s early acquisitions in the Downtown West neighborhood, a zone the tech giant has been investing in heavily since 2016.
Google’s regional vice president Matt Werner emphasized the company’s ongoing commitment to the area, noting that the sale reflects a broader strategy of supporting local partners while focusing on future growth.
Sharks senior vice president Chris Shay took the opportunity to thank Google for its collaboration, highlighting that the new headquarters will enable the team to modernize its facilities, including state‑of‑the‑art locker rooms and fan‑focused spaces.
City councilmember Michael Mulcahy echoed the sentiment, calling the partnership between the Sharks and Google a model for how private investment can accelerate urban revitalization.
Beyond the building purchase, the Sharks plan to enhance the SAP Center’s infrastructure, a move that city officials say will further activate western sections of downtown, a vision also championed by the nonprofit Silicon Valley Synergy.
The transaction underscores a significant financial commitment from Google, which has poured more than $1 billion into San Jose real estate over the past decade, reinforcing the city’s status as a hub of technology and sports.