The synthesis and characterization of the 1st Ni(0)/(I) tris-carbene complex with a N anchored tripodal N-heterocyclic carbene ligand are described. Substitution reaction of tris[(3-tert-butylimidazol-2-ylidene)ethyl]amine tripodal ligand with Ni(COD)2 to give electron-rich nickel tris-carbene complexes. [on SciFinder (R)]