Seneca Nation Acquires Rochester Knighthawks

The Seneca Nation, through its business arm Seneca Holdings, LLC, has agreed to buy the Rochester Knighthawks, ending the weeks-long state of limbo the National Lacrosse League franchise was in after the Pegula family divested ownership from the organization in late June.

Terms of the sale were kept confidential. The Pegula family had owned the team since 2019.

The Seneca Nation is just the second Native tribe to own a pro sports franchise outright. The Mohegan Tribe has owned the Connecticut Sun of the WNBA since 2023.

The Knighthawks will keep their colors, name and uniforms for this season. In an interview with Forbes, Seneca Nation president J. Conrad Seneca said future decisions regarding the team branding will be made after the season, which begins in late November.

Continue below for the full release from the NLL.

NLL ANNOUNCEMENT

PHILADELPHIA — The National Lacrosse League (NLL) announced a historic addition to its ownership group as the Seneca Nation, through its business arm Seneca Holdings, LLC, has officially acquired the Rochester Knighthawks. The move not only secures the future of professional box lacrosse in Rochester but also represents a meaningful step forward in the league’s ongoing commitment to its Indigenous heritage and long-term growth strategy.

“The addition of the Seneca Nation to our ownership group represents a significant moment in the evolution of the National Lacrosse League,” said NLL Commissioner Brett Frood. “As we continue to grow and honor the Indigenous roots of the game, the inclusion of a sovereign Native Nation in our ownership ranks brings even deeper meaning and authenticity to our mission. This partnership strengthens our foundation as a league, and it reaffirms our commitment to elevating the sport in a way that is sustainable, passion-driven, and culturally grounded.”

The Seneca Nation is a sovereign Native Nation and the largest of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Confederacy), whose people were the first to play and share the Creator’s Game with the world. Their leadership and investment further connects the NLL to the cultural heart of lacrosse, reinforcing the league’s mission to grow the sport in a way that respects and honors its origins.

“This marks a pivotal moment for the National Lacrosse League and reflects the strong momentum across our business enterprise,” added Frood. “The Seneca Nation brings a proven track record of successful, long-term investments and astute leadership that will strengthen the Knighthawks franchise and the entire Rochester market. Their commitment reinforces our broader league strategy to build strong, community-rooted franchises that can thrive both on and off the field.”

The NLL has experienced record-breaking attendance and engagement, surpassing one million fans for the third consecutive season, and continues to expand its cultural and business footprint. With the addition of the Seneca Nation to the ownership family, the league further solidifies its connection to the origins of lacrosse, while ensuring the sustainability and strength of its franchises for generations to come.

“This announcement is rooted in tradition and history and fueled by passion and excitement,” said Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca. “Lacrosse is part of our culture and Rochester is part of our ancestral home. The game was gifted to our ancestors by the Creator as a spiritual game and a game of healing, and our people shared lacrosse with the world. The Seneca Nation is thrilled to celebrate our connection to the Creator’s Game and to this community by keeping the Knighthawks in Rochester, where we look forward to building a bright future rooted in the team’s winning tradition.”