🏈 Breaking News: Buffalo Bills Co-Owner Terry Pegula Dies at 74 — Sports World Mourns a Visionary Leader
🏈 Breaking News: Buffalo Bills Co-Owner Terry Pegula Dies at 74 — Sports World Mourns a Visionary Leader
Buffalo, N.Y. — June 8, 2025
Terry Pegula, the billionaire entrepreneur and beloved co-owner of the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres, has tragically passed away at the age of 74, his family confirmed in a statement released early Sunday morning.
The statement, issued jointly by the Pegula family and Pegula Sports and Entertainment (PSE), read:
“With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Terry Pegula. Terry was more than a successful businessman; he was a man of vision, passion, and deep generosity. His love for Buffalo and Western New York was boundless. He touched countless lives and leaves a legacy that will endure for generations.”
No cause of death was immediately disclosed, though Pegula had faced some health challenges in recent years.
A Transformative Force in Buffalo Sports
Born in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, in 1951, Terrence Michael Pegula rose from humble beginnings to build an energy empire through his company East Resources, later transitioning into a powerful force in professional sports.
In 2011, Pegula purchased the Buffalo Sabres, rescuing the struggling NHL franchise and promising to keep the team in Buffalo. Just three years later, in 2014, he and his wife, Kim Pegula, acquired the Buffalo Bills for $1.4 billion following the death of franchise founder Ralph Wilson. Their commitment kept the Bills in Buffalo amid speculation of a potential move.
Pegula’s leadership helped usher in a new era of success for the Bills, highlighted by the team’s return to the playoffs after a 17-year drought and its emergence as a perennial contender in the AFC. His investments in Highmark Stadium and the team’s training facilities underscored his unwavering dedication to the city and its fans.
“Terry’s vision brought hope and pride back to Buffalo,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement Sunday. “He was not just an owner — he was a steward of the community and a dear friend to many of us across the league.”
A Philanthropic Legacy
Beyond sports, Pegula was known for his philanthropic work. He and Kim donated millions to various causes, including a transformative $102 million gift to Penn State University to build the Pegula Ice Arena and expand the university’s hockey program.
Locally, the Pegulas contributed significantly to Western New York charities, youth sports initiatives, and pandemic relief efforts. Friends and associates described him as a quiet, humble man who never sought the spotlight.
“Terry loved Buffalo with every fiber of his being,” said Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown. “His impact on our city is immeasurable. Today, we mourn not just an owner, but a cherished member of our community.”
Tributes Pour In
Across social media and the sports world, tributes to Pegula poured in.
“I am heartbroken,” wrote Bills quarterback Josh Allen on X (formerly Twitter). “Mr. Pegula believed in us, believed in this city, and always treated us like family. He will be deeply missed.”
Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin echoed similar sentiments: “Without Terry, the Sabres would not be where we are today. He loved this team and this city.”
Former Bills coach Sean McDermott called Pegula “a true leader who empowered all of us to strive for greatness, on and off the field.”
A Community in Mourning
Fans gathered spontaneously outside Highmark Stadium and KeyBank Center on Sunday morning, leaving flowers, Bills and Sabres memorabilia, and handwritten notes in honor of Pegula.
“He gave us back our pride,” said longtime Bills season ticket holder Maria Gonzalez, tearfully laying a blue and red wreath near the stadium entrance. “Buffalo owes him everything.”
Flags at both stadiums and at City Hall were ordered flown at half-staff.
An Unfinished Chapter
Pegula is survived by his wife, Kim; their five children; and several grandchildren.
Kim Pegula, who has faced her own health struggles in recent years, released a separate message of gratitude:
“Terry was the love of my life, my partner in all things. Our family thanks everyone for the outpouring of love and support. We ask for privacy as we grieve this tremendous loss.”
As Buffalo mourns, questions about the future of the teams Pegula so passionately supported remain. But one thing is certain: his legacy will live on in the hearts of fans, the continued success of the Bills and Sabres, and the enduring spirit of a city he loved so dearly.
