Seneca Nation Acquires Rochester Knighthawks Franchise

The Seneca Nation, a federally recognized Native American tribe in western New York, has acquired the Rochester Knighthawks, a National Lacrosse League team, from the Pegula family through its investment arm, Seneca Holdings. This acquisition secures the team's future in Rochester, the league's second-longest continuous market, and makes the Seneca Nation one of the few Native American tribes to own a professional sports franchise. Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca described the purchase as a celebration of the tribe's cultural and spiritual connection to lacrosse and a commitment to community. NLL Commissioner Brett Frood called the deal a pivotal moment that deepens the league's Indigenous roots and promotes sustainable growth. The Knighthawks will play their 31st season under the new ownership. Financial terms of the sale were not disclosed, but league officials were optimistic about the franchise's future value.