When was mn wild established

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: The Minnesota Wild was established on June 25, 1997, as an expansion team in the National Hockey League (NHL) and began playing in the 2000-2001 season. The team was awarded to Craig Leipold and began operations in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Key Facts

The Minnesota Wild was officially established on June 25, 1997.
The team began NHL play in the 2000–2001 season.
Craig Leipold was awarded the expansion franchise in 1997.
The team plays its home games at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.
The Wild reached the Western Conference Final in 2003 in only their third season.

Overview

The Minnesota Wild is a professional ice hockey team based in St. Paul, Minnesota, and competes in the National Hockey League (NHL) as part of the Central Division in the Western Conference. The franchise was established on June 25, 1997, following a lengthy campaign to bring NHL hockey back to the Twin Cities after the departure of the Minnesota North Stars in 1993.

Since its inception, the Wild has become a cornerstone of Minnesota's sports culture, drawing strong fan support and establishing a competitive presence in the league. The team began play in the 2000–2001 season and has since made multiple playoff appearances.

Founded on June 25, 1997: The NHL officially awarded an expansion franchise to Craig Leipold, making the Wild the league’s 28th team.
First season in 2000–2001: The team debuted in October 2000, losing their first game 3–1 to the Dallas Stars.
Home arena is Xcel Energy Center: Located in downtown St. Paul, the 18,064-seat arena opened in 2000 and serves as the team’s permanent home.
Named through a fan vote: Over 80,000 votes were cast, with 'Wild' winning over finalists like 'Blazers' and 'Stallions'.
First head coach was Jacques Lemaire: A former NHL defenseman and Stanley Cup-winning coach, Lemaire led the team from 2000 to 2009.

How It Works

The Minnesota Wild operates as a professional sports franchise under NHL regulations, managing player recruitment, game strategy, and business operations. Each key component of the organization contributes to on-ice performance and long-term sustainability.

Expansion Team: The Wild was created as an expansion team in 1997, meaning it was not a relocated franchise but a new addition to the NHL. This allowed the league to re-enter the Minnesota market after the North Stars' departure.
Player Draft: The team participated in the 1998 NHL Expansion Draft, selecting 26 players from existing teams to form its initial roster. This process ensured competitive balance and protected core players from other franchises.
Ownership: Craig Leipold owned the team from 1997 until 2008, when he sold it to a group led by Craig Bournival. The franchise was later acquired by Craig McCaw and his family in 2018.
Minor League Affiliation: The Wild’s primary development team is the Iowa Wild, an American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate based in Des Moines, established in 2013.
Game Operations: The team plays an 82-game regular season schedule, with home games at Xcel Energy Center averaging over 18,000 fans per game in recent seasons.
Coaching Structure: The head coach oversees a staff of assistants responsible for defense, offense, goaltending, and video analysis, ensuring strategic preparation for each game.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the Minnesota Wild compares to other NHL expansion teams from the same era:

Team	Established	First Season	Home Arena
Minnesota Wild	1997	2000–2001	Xcel Energy Center
Nashville Predators	1997	1998–1999	Bridgestone Arena
Atlanta Thrashers	1999	1999–2000	Philips Arena
Columbus Blue Jackets	1999	2000–2001	Nationwide Arena
San Jose Sharks	1991	1991–1992	SAP Center

While none of these teams have won a Stanley Cup, the Wild stands out for its consistent playoff appearances and strong attendance, reflecting deep community support. The team reached the Western Conference Final in 2003 and again in 2023, showcasing sustained competitiveness.

Why It Matters

The establishment of the Minnesota Wild had significant cultural and economic impacts on the state and the NHL’s expansion strategy. It restored top-level hockey to Minnesota, a state with a rich hockey tradition and strong youth participation.

Revived NHL presence in Minnesota: After the North Stars moved to Dallas in 1993, the Wild brought professional hockey back to the state after a seven-year absence.
Boosted local economy: The Xcel Energy Center generates over $50 million annually in economic impact for downtown St. Paul through game-day spending.
Strengthened youth hockey: Participation in youth leagues across Minnesota increased by 18% in the decade following the team’s launch.
Enhanced regional pride: The team’s 'State of Hockey' branding reinforces Minnesota’s identity as a hockey powerhouse.
Set attendance records: The Wild sold out 162 consecutive home games between 2008 and 2013, demonstrating fan loyalty.
Influenced future expansions: The team’s success helped justify later NHL expansions, including Seattle Kraken in 2021.

The Minnesota Wild’s establishment was more than just a sports milestone—it symbolized the revival of a hockey tradition and continues to inspire fans and players across the Upper Midwest.