Rochester, N.Y. (WBEN/WGR Sports Radio 550) - The future of indoor lacrosse in Rochester has been secured, as the Seneca Nation, through its wholly-owned business subsidiary Seneca Holdings, LLC, has bought the Rochester Knighthawks from Terry and Kim Pegula.
"This announcement is rooted in tradition and history, and fueled by passion and excitement," said Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca in a statement on Tuesday. "Lacrosse is part of our culture and Rochester is part of our ancestral home. Our ancestors were the first people to share the game of lacrosse with the world. It was gifted to us by the Creator as a spiritual game and a game of healing. 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."
The deal keeps the team in the second-longest continuous market in the National Lacrosse League.
Before moving to Halifax, the original Rochester Knighthawks were one of the most successful franchises in NLL history, winning five titles, including the league’s first three-peat between 2012 and 2014.
After the franchise relocated in 2019, the new Knighthawks were born during the 2019-20 campaign under Terry and Kim Pegula.
The Pegulas also own the Buffalo Bandits, who are the current three-time defending NLL champions.