Cameco likely to get exclusive naming rights to TCU Place

Most people in Saskatoon know Centennial Auditorium and Convention Centre in the city’s downtown as TCU Place.

It’s been that way for the past 20 years, but that’s about to change.

According to a report to be presented at the next city council meeting, the naming rights agreement between TCU Financial, Centennial Auditorium and Convention Centre, and the City of Saskatoon will end on Dec. 31, 2026, and Cameco will likely take its place.

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Talks about who might succeed TCU began in 2025, with Cameco expressing interest.

The new agreement would begin on Jan. 1, 2027, with Cameco paying the city $350,000 in the first year, with the amount increasing by $10,000 annually for the following four years.

After that, the amount would increase to $400,000 annually until 2036.

Cameco would also receive exclusive naming rights, along with other perks, including exclusive access to the Cameco Corporation Suite with a food and beverage package, access for private events and ticket-purchasing privileges.

The city report also indicates what would happen if the centre were expanded.

“If the Centennial Auditorium Corp. is expanded by 33 per cent or more, Cameco shall pay an additional sum of $50,000 per contract year starting once the expansion has been completed,” the report says.

If the current convention centre is replaced, renovated or operated by a third party, Cameco would be given notice within two years of the new venue opening to negotiate a new naming rights agreement.

There’s no word yet on what the new name may be.

City council will have the final say on whether to accept the new agreement at its meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 28.