A Deal That Anchors the Sharks in San Jose
The NHL's San Jose Sharks have acquired a downtown San Jose office building from Google for $10 million, securing a long‑term base for the franchise.
The property at 450 West Santa Clara Street, directly across from the SAP Center, will become the team's permanent corporate headquarters for the next 25 years.
The transaction builds on Google's 2017 purchase of the same structure for $11 million, part of its broader Downtown West initiative, and reflects a strategic partnership between the tech giant and the hockey club.
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan praised the deal, saying it underscores the Sharks' commitment to the city's downtown revitalization and to the broader sports and business community.
Google's real‑estate executive Matt Werner highlighted that the agreement benefits both parties, reinforcing Google's investment in San Jose's urban fabric while giving the Sharks a stable platform for future growth.
The Sharks plan to remodel the SAP Center, modernizing locker rooms and other facilities, using the new headquarters as a hub for corporate operations and community outreach.
Real‑estate consultant Bob Staedler noted the location's strategic advantages, citing its proximity to transit, entertainment venues and the city's expanding tech corridor.
City Councilmember Michael Mulcahy echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the collaboration between the Sharks and Google exemplifies the kind of public‑private partnership that drives economic vitality.
The deal is also tied to Google's broader spending spree in San Jose, where the company has invested over $1 billion in real estate since 2016, including the $459 million acquisition of multiple downtown parcels.
As part of its community‑engagement efforts, Google's Creekside Socials project aims to animate the western sections of downtown, complementing the Sharks' presence and fostering a more vibrant urban environment.