Calian and the Ottawa Senators partnership
For the first time in the history of the Ottawa Senators, a sponsor logo will appear on the team’s road jersey. And for the first time in Calian’s history, the company is investing in a professional sports team to extend our visibility into major Canadian and U.S. cities and a growing European market.
The new three-year partnership brings together two organizations that share many of the same values and winning characteristics, including perseverance, resilience and agility. Together we will elevate our brands, build on our commitments to community and excel on the national and international stage.
Deep-rooted in business
Calian and the Senators have been close neighbours for many years (they are mere steps from each other in Ottawa), and they have also worked together in business and in supporting the community.
For more than 10 years, the Senators have been a Calian customer. Through our recent acquisition of Decisive Group, we have been providing IT and cybersecurity services, keeping their data and networks safe and running smoothly.
Over the next few years, we will work with the Sens management and our leadership to identify other areas of opportunity, where Calian has solutions to support them where they cannot fail—such as in emergency management training, healthcare services for the players and training through our AR/VR platforms. In addition, we will work together to find new partnership opportunities with the sports and entertainment industry, affiliates and partners, to provide Calian solutions in high-stakes industries such as health, IT and cybersecurity, space, nuclear, skilled learning and so much more.
Why is Calian sponsoring a hockey team?
Hockey is the most-watched sport in Canada and growing internationally. Partnering with a high-profile NHL hockey team is a great way to ensure a good return on investment, far exceeding what we could achieve through traditional advertising alone. It will drive brand visibility and deeper engagement with customers and investors.
Hockey teams have influence beyond their home cities. This partnership will extend Calian’s brand beyond Ottawa into major Canadian and U.S. cities and into a growing European market, positioning Calian as a leader on a broader scale. With the NHL’s rising viewership, fan base and sponsorships, and the Senators’ significant social media following and engagement in 31 cities in North America—Calian will reach new markets, connecting us with current and future customers, partners and investors.
The global sports industry revenue is expected to grow to more than U.S. $680 billion by 2028. There is a growing trend in B2B company sponsorship of sports teams and sporting events to benefit from this growth. Sponsorships such as this one can be a highly effective marketing tool, improving media exposure, enhancing brand awareness, improving market positions and ultimately boosting sales.
Why the Senators?
As noted, the Senators organization is a Calian customer and there is a business opportunity in working together, but it goes much deeper than that. For our Canadian employees, this partnership reinforces a deep-rooted connection to a sport that is integral to our national identity. It reinforces Calian’s values and celebrates both its Canadian roots and its growing international footprint, fostering pride and connection among all employees, regardless of location.
For our community, both Calian and the Senators share deep values of philanthropy, integrity and a strong commitment to community advocacy locally and nationally. Since 1992, the Senators—together with its foundation, alumni, partners and fans—have contributed more than $100 million to community initiatives in the National Capital Region. By working closely with the Ottawa Senators Foundation, we can amplify the impact of our community-focused efforts expanding our support to those who need it most.
This new sponsorship, along with the many opportunities it offers for mutual growth and success, creates a true win-win for both partners on and off the ice.
