Buffalo Bills Co-Owner Kim Pegula Dies at 55: A Trailblazing Force in Sports and Community Leadership

Buffalo Bills Co-Owner Kim Pegula Dies at 55: A Trailblazing Force in Sports and Community Leadership

The Buffalo Bills and the broader sports world are mourning the loss of one of the NFL’s most influential and pioneering figures. Kim Pegula, co-owner and former president of the Buffalo Bills and the Buffalo Sabres, passed away on April 17, 2025, at the age of 55. Her death marks the end of a profound chapter in the history of Western New York sports and community development.

Pegula had been facing serious health challenges since June 2022, when she suffered a cardiac arrest that resulted in long-term complications. Her family confirmed her passing in a statement released Thursday evening, calling her “a loving wife, mother, and a fearless leader whose vision and strength shaped the identity of an entire region.”

A Visionary Leader in Pro Sports

Kim Pegula made history in 2014 when she and her husband, Terry Pegula, purchased the Buffalo Bills—ensuring the team would remain in Buffalo amid nationwide concerns of potential relocation. She became the first woman in NFL history to serve as president of both a football and a hockey franchise, a groundbreaking achievement that forever altered the landscape of professional sports ownership.

With a reputation for sharp business acumen and forward-thinking leadership, Pegula played a crucial role in building the “One Buffalo” identity—a unifying movement that brought the city’s sports, business, and charitable efforts under one brand. She was known for her focus on community engagement, employee empowerment, and elevating Buffalo as a model for integrated sports and civic partnership.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released a statement Friday morning:

“Kim Pegula was a true pioneer—resilient, brilliant, and relentlessly dedicated to the game and the people of Buffalo. Her contributions will leave a lasting imprint not only on the NFL but on generations of fans and leaders to come.”

From Humble Beginnings to Historic Success

Born in Seoul, South Korea, in 1969, Kim Pegula was adopted at age five by Ralph and Marilyn Kerr and raised in Fairport, New York. She attended Houghton College and, through a position at her future husband’s natural gas company, began a journey that would eventually see her become one of the most powerful women in professional sports.

Her role in the Pegula family’s sports empire began with the 2011 purchase of the Buffalo Sabres, followed by the acquisition of the Bills in 2014. Pegula also oversaw the creation of the LECOM Harborcenter and had a guiding hand in the design and development of the Bills’ new $1.4 billion stadium, set to open in 2026.

Despite her low public profile early in her tenure, Pegula quickly became a central figure in the organization’s direction. Her impact reached well beyond the front office, with players and staff frequently praising her open-door policy and people-first approach.

A Courageous Health Battle

In 2022, Pegula suffered a sudden cardiac arrest, prompting an outpouring of support from across the sports world. In a powerful essay published by her daughter, tennis star Jessica Pegula, the family revealed that Kim had been diagnosed with expressive aphasia and significant memory issues as a result of the incident.

Yet despite these challenges, Pegula made several public appearances in the years that followed, including emotional visits to Bills training camp where she was warmly embraced by players, coaches, and fans alike.

“She never stopped fighting,” said Bills head coach Sean McDermott. “Even in the face of unimaginable adversity, she remained a symbol of strength and grace.”

A Lasting Legacy

Kim Pegula’s contributions to Buffalo extend far beyond football and hockey. A fierce advocate for youth sports, women’s leadership, and community development, Pegula helped spearhead numerous charitable initiatives through the Pegula Sports and Entertainment Foundation. Her leadership style—quiet yet commanding, compassionate yet driven—won her admiration from league executives, athletes, and community leaders.

She is survived by her husband, Terry, their children Jessica, Kelly, and Matthew, and stepchildren Michael and Laura. In their public statement, the Pegula family thanked the Buffalo community for its unwavering support throughout Kim’s health battle.

“In every endeavor, Kim brought passion, humility, and purpose. She believed deeply in the power of sports to transform lives and uplift communities,” the statement read. “Her legacy will continue to inspire us all.”

Tributes and Memorial Plans

In the wake of her passing, tributes have poured in from across the NFL and NHL communities. The Buffalo Bills plan to hold a public memorial at Highmark Stadium, with details to be released in the coming days. The team will also honor Pegula’s life with a season-long tribute during the 2025 NFL season, including a commemorative patch and special events highlighting her contributions.

Flags are flying at half-staff at Highmark Stadium and the KeyBank Center, home of the Sabres, in honor of a woman whose leadership transcended sport.

Kim Pegula’s story—from her beginnings in South Korea to the pinnacle of American professional sports—is one of resilience, vision, and heart. She broke barriers, built legacies, and embodied the spirit of Buffalo: tough, loyal, and full of heart. Her presence will be profoundly missed, but her legacy will continue to shape the future she helped create.