What Iowa Wild does

Iowa Wild Hockey Club LLC operates the professional American Hockey League (AHL) franchise based in Des Moines, Iowa, serving as the primary development affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild since 2013. The team plays 36 home games per season at Casey's Center, a 7,200-seat arena under a naming-rights partnership with Casey's General Stores. Its business model centers on a diversified revenue platform spanning season ticket memberships (Wild 365 with over 20 exclusive benefits and >90% renewal rates), flex packs, group tickets, and a tiered premium hospitality portfolio (Ice Suites, Luxury Suites, LandJet Luxury Lounge, Breakaway Lounge, Hall of Fame Suite, Party Deck). Secondary revenue streams include arena concessions, WildWear merchandise via an online storefront, AHLTV/FloHockey streaming subscriptions, KXnO radio broadcasting, and a multi-tier corporate sponsorship program with partners such as Kwik Star (title sponsor), Marine Credit Union, Premier Chevy Dealers, and SCHEELS.

The organization's technical infrastructure is conventional sports-business tooling: HyveTix for online ticketing, AHLTV/FloHockey for streaming, Handbid for mobile silent auctions of memorabilia, and standard email/social marketing channels. Beyond the commercial product, Iowa Wild operates an extensive community and youth-hockey development ecosystem, including 11 free public ice rinks across central Iowa, programs like Junior Crash Course, Blue Line Buddies, Floor Hockey Program, and Wild About Reading, plus flagship charitable initiatives including Tame the Hunger (371,504 meals packaged since 2017) and jersey auctions. The team is privately held by Minnesota Sports & Entertainment under parent Minnesota Wild, with leadership restructured in May 2026 under new President Maria Troje and General Manager Matt Hendricks, supported by a small 11–50 person operating staff.

Name

Iowa Wild

Legal name

Iowa Wild Hockey Club LLC

Website

https://iowawild.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Iowa Wild is the AHL professional hockey affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild, based in Des Moines, Iowa, generating revenue through season tickets, premium hospitality, sponsorships, merchandise, and streaming at Casey's Center, while operating an extensive community and youth-hockey development program across central Iowa.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Hockey Entertainment

NAICS

Sports Teams and Clubs (711211), Spectator Sports (71121), Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (71394)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Ice Hockey Leagues (MPAKAAAE)

Keywords

• Professional hockey team
• Minor league hockey
• Sports entertainment services
• Season ticket memberships
• Arena hospitality suites

Headquarters

HQ city

Des Moines

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: Revenue from single-game tickets, season tickets (Wild 365 Memberships), group tickets, flex ticket packs, and partial season plans sold directly to consumers and corporate clients through the team's ticket office and online platform.
2. Premium Seating and Hospitality: Revenue from Ice Suites, Luxury Suites, Hall of Fame Suite, Party Deck, Breakaway Lounge (Flix Brewhouse), and LandJet Luxury Lounge. These include catering, beverages, and premium amenities for corporate entertainment and private events.
3. Arena Concessions: Food and beverage sales at Casey's Center games including partnerships with Fireball Cinnamon Whisky and Carrolls Corn for premium suites.
4. Merchandise Sales: Sales of Iowa Wild branded merchandise through WildWear online store including jerseys, apparel, hats, and specialty items like Outdoor Classic merchandise.
5. Broadcasting and Streaming: AHLTV on FloHockey streaming subscription service for watching all Iowa Wild games online. Radio broadcasts on KXnO (1460 AM and 106.3 FM).
6. Corporate Sponsorships: Sponsorship packages offering in-game scoreboard and LED ribbon exposure, fixed signage (dasher boards, concourse signs, ice logos, Zamboni signage), concourse activations, digital and social media marketing, and interactive in-game features.
7. Community Programs and Charity: Revenue-generating community events including Tame the Hunger (packaging meals), Wild on the Green (golf outing), jersey auctions, and Chuck-a-Puck. While primarily charitable, these generate donations and community engagement that drives long-term fan acquisition.
8. Group Outings and Special Events: Revenue from company outings, school groups, scout groups, volunteer groups, performance groups (on-ice, vocal, bands), and youth hockey intermissions with discounted tickets and fundraising opportunities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Iowa Wild is a professional American Hockey League (AHL) team that delivers live hockey games and sports entertainment at Casey's Center in Des Moines, Iowa. It sells season tickets (Wild 365 Memberships), single-game and flex-pack tickets, group tickets, premium suite and hospitality packages, branded merchandise, youth hockey development programs, and community outreach initiatives as the primary AHL affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild.

Product overview

Iowa Wild is a professional American Hockey League (AHL) hockey team serving as the primary development affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild. The organization's product offering is a unified sports entertainment and community engagement platform centered around live hockey events at Casey's Center in Des Moines, Iowa. The core product is the Wild 365 Membership season ticket program, supplemented by flexible ticket options including Flex Packs and group tickets. Premium offerings include various suite and hospitality options (Ice Suites, Luxury Suites, Party Deck, Breakaway Lounge). The portfolio extends to youth hockey development programs (Junior Crash Course, Floor Hockey, Blue Line Buddies, Hockey in the Wild), community initiatives (Tame the Hunger, Wild on Wheels, Wild on the Green), and fan engagement tools including the WildWear merchandise store and Handbid-powered auction platform. Games are streamed via AHLTV on FloHockey. The organization also offers unique experiences like mascot appearances and access to community ice rinks across central Iowa.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Wild 365 Membership Season ticket membership program offering over 20 exclusive benefits including the same seat for every home game, with partial season plans available for fans with busy schedules. Billed annually via the Iowa Wild ticket office.
• Flex Ticket Packs Flexible ticket packages allowing fans to use tickets on any open seat at any available home game, providing year-round scheduling flexibility without committing to a full season.
• Group Tickets Discounted ticket packages for groups of 10 or more attendees, including company outings, school groups, scouts, volunteer groups, and performance groups (on-ice, vocal, bands). Groups of 100+ can get a picture on the ice after the game and potentially ride the Zamboni.
• Suite & Hospitality Options Premium suite and hospitality offerings including Ice Suites (15 tickets, all-inclusive buffet and beverages), LandJet Luxury Lounge (15 tickets with VIP entrance and personal wait staff), Flix Brewhouse Breakaway Lounge (up to 50 guests, all-you-can-eat short order menu), Luxury Suites (16 tickets with VIP access 90 minutes pre-game), Hall of Fame Suite (20-40 guests starting at $35/person), and Party Deck (10-20 guests with all-you-can-eat buffet and drinks).
• Youth Programs Youth hockey development and education programs including Wild About Reading, Floor Hockey Program (reached 6,385 participants in 2025-26), Crash's Kids Club, Junior Crash Course (learn-to-play, ages 4-12), Blue Line Buddies, and Hockey in the Wild.
• AHLTV on FloHockey Streaming Subscription streaming service for watching all Iowa Wild games online, accessible via FloHockey.tv. Fans create free accounts and purchase subscriptions to access live game coverage.
• WildWear Merchandise Official branded merchandise including apparel, accessories, collectibles, jerseys, hats, and specialty items (e.g., Outdoor Classic merchandise) sold through the WildWear online store.
• Birthday Party Packages Birthday party event packages at Iowa Wild home games, listed under the Tickets menu as a dedicated birthday experience product.
• Corporate Sponsorship Packages Customizable sponsorship packages offering in-game scoreboard and LED ribbon exposure, fixed signage (dasher boards, concourse signs, ice logos, Zamboni signage), concourse activations, digital and social media marketing, and interactive in-game features for brands.

Quantifiable outcome

• Iowa Wild raised $263,684 for local organizations, schools, and nonprofits during 2025-26 season
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Partnerships

29 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Jacksonville IcemencoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 May 2026Multi-year ECHL affiliation agreement beginning 2026-27 season. Jacksonville Icemen serves as development resource for both Iowa and Minnesota Wild prospects. Previously affiliated with Buffalo Sabres and Rochester Americans.
• Minnesota WildflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2013NHL parent organization that owns and operates the Iowa Wild as its primary AHL development affiliate. Minnesota Wild Executive VP and GM Bill Guerin oversees the organization. Players develop with Iowa Wild before advancing to Minnesota Wild.
• Iowa HeartlanderscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerECHL affiliate of Iowa Wild. Players can be assigned between Iowa Wild and Heartlanders for development purposes.
• Kwik StarflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerTitle sponsor presenting Iowa Wild hockey. Major corporate partner with logo prominently featured throughout arena and marketing materials.
• SCHEELScoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial equipment provider for Goalies Give Back program matching donations for youth goalie equipment. Also sponsors Junior Crash Course equipment provision.
• Des Moines Youth Hockey Association (DMYHA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary youth hockey partner receiving equipment donations and funding through Goalies Give Back program. Petersen donated $12,859 to DMYHA in 2025-26.
• Meals from the HeartlandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFaith-based organization that partners with Iowa Wild for Tame the Hunger meal packaging events. Has provided over 200 million meals globally since 2008.
• Marine Credit UnioncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of Tame the Hunger program. Local credit union supporting food security initiatives in central Iowa communities.
• Casey's General StoresflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerNaming rights partner for Casey's Center, the 7,200-seat arena where Iowa Wild plays home games. Arena located at 730 3rd St, Des Moines.
• KXnOcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial radio partner broadcasting games on 1460 AM and 106.3 FM. Seasonal audience of 100,000+ listeners.
• FloHockey / AHLTVcoreTechnology or IntegrationOfficial streaming partner for all Iowa Wild games. Provides online viewing platform with subscription service.
• FarewayminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner displayed on Iowa Wild website partner page.
• Electronic EngineeringminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner displayed on Iowa Wild website partner page.
• The Bug ManminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner displayed on Iowa Wild website partner page.
• Northern Lights PizzaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner displayed on Iowa Wild website partner page.
• Adaptive Sports Iowa (ASI)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner supporting Split the Pot raffle at home games.
• Atlantic Bottling CompanycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner for Floor Hockey Program providing equipment donations to local schools alongside BodyArmor.
• LifeServeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner displayed on Iowa Wild website partner page.
• Greater Des Moines PartnershipminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRegional economic development organization partner.
• Raising Cane'sminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Blue Line Buddies program for youth hockey players to stand on blue line during national anthem.
• Premier Chevy DealerscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of Junior Crash Course learn-to-play hockey program for youth ages 4-12.
• Des Moines Heating & CoolingcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of Ice Suites premium seating option at Casey's Center.
• Fireball Cinnamon WhiskyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProud participating partner for Iowa Wild Suites & Hospitality. Complimentary bottle provided in Ice Suites and Party Deck.
• Carrolls CornminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProud participating partner for Iowa Wild Suites & Hospitality. Available in Landjet Luxury Lounge and Ice Suite locations.
• BauercoreGTM or Marketing PartnerEquipment partner assisting with Goalies Give Back program providing new equipment for Des Moines Youth Hockey Association.
• Affinity Credit UnionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsors Fan Appreciation Night and provides team photo giveaway.
• WMminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-sponsor of Fan Appreciation Night providing team photo giveaway.
• LandJetcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of LandJet Luxury Lounge premium seating option at ice level.
• Flix BrewhousecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner for Breakaway Lounge premium seating experience with all-you-can-eat and drink package.

Scale indicators17 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Charlotte Checkers: Charlotte Checkers are the AHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers and a comparable mid-sized-market franchise. They demonstrate a similar combination of ticket, suite/hospitality, and sponsorship revenue streams relevant to Iowa Wild's go-to-market.
• Hershey Bears: Hershey Bears are the AHL affiliate of the Washington Capitals and the league's oldest franchise. They are a benchmark for premium-hospitality economics, season-ticket renewal strength, and community-program scale — all directly relevant to Iowa Wild's business model.
• Grand Rapids Griffins: Grand Rapids Griffins are the long-standing AHL affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings. They are one of the most established AHL franchises, offering a strong benchmark for ticket, sponsorship, and community-engagement economics in a mid-size Midwest market comparable to Des Moines.
• Texas Stars: Texas Stars are the AHL affiliate of the Dallas Stars, sharing a Central Division schedule with Iowa Wild. They are a directly comparable AHL franchise with similar ticket, premium-seating, and community-program revenue mixes serving a similar mid-market NHL-development role.
• Manitoba Moose: The Manitoba Moose are the AHL affiliate of the Winnipeg Jets, sharing the same Central Division with Iowa Wild. They compete head-to-head in the same league, play a similar schedule length, and operate in a comparable mid-size market with similar community-engagement and youth-development models.
• Cleveland Monsters: Cleveland Monsters are the AHL affiliate of the Columbus Blue Jackets. They share Midwest geography and a comparable urban-market profile with Iowa Wild, with parallel premium-hospitality, group-outing, and youth-development offerings.
• Milwaukee Admirals: Milwaukee Admirals are the AHL affiliate of the Nashville Predators and another Central Division peer of Iowa Wild. They offer a directly comparable operating model with similar ticket, sponsorship, and community-program revenue structures.

Emerging players

• Iowa Heartlanders: The Iowa Heartlanders are Iowa Wild's ECHL affiliate, sharing player-development flow and a regional Iowa fan base. They are an adjacent, lower-tier professional hockey property in the same geography, useful as a comparator for pipeline-development economics.

Broad incumbents

• Minnesota Wild: Minnesota Wild is the NHL parent club and owner of Iowa Wild. While not a competitor, it is the strategic incumbent that sets player-personnel direction, drives affiliate economics, and shares leadership (Maria Troje, Michael Murray) with Iowa Wild — making it the most important comparable for parent-affiliate economics.

Regional players

• Des Moines Buccaneers: The Des Moines Buccaneers are a USHL Tier-1 junior hockey team also based in Des Moines. They compete for local sports entertainment dollars and youth-hockey mindshare in the same regional market as Iowa Wild, providing a useful local-market entertainment comparator.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/iawild
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/IWildTV
• Facebookfacebook.com/iawild
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/iowa-wild
• Instagraminstagram.com/iowawild
• Pinterestpinterest.com/IowaWild
• TikToktiktok.com/@iawild

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Iowa Wild