Stewart Huntington
ICT
Professional lacrosse is entering a new era. The Seneca Nation has officially purchased the Rochester Knighthawks, ensuring the franchise’s future in a New York city where the roots of lacrosse run deep.
“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. 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:,” he said.
The deal marks the first time a tribal nation has joined the ranks of ownership in the National Lacrosse League, which includes 14 franchises across the United States and Canada. Founded in 1986, the NLL is North America’s largest professional lacrosse league and welcomed more than one million fans for the third consecutive year during the 2024-2025 season.
The league praised the deal as an “historic partnership.”
“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,” League Commissioner Brett Frood said in a statement. “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 deal, between the Seneca Nation and owners Terry and Kim Pegula, also keeps the team in the second-longest continuous market in the National Lacrosse League.
Fans had worried that a sale would take the team out of Rochester for a second time. The Knighthawks left Rochester in 2019 to move to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where they became the Halifax Thunderbirds.
“Rochester has long been one of the foundational cities of professional box lacrosse and today marks a powerful step forward in continuing that legacy,” Frood said. “The Seneca Nation’s acquisition of the Knighthawks is more than a change in ownership — it’s a deeply meaningful homecoming for the Creator’s Game. We’re honored to welcome the Seneca Nation into the National Lacrosse League ownership family. The Nation’s cultural heritage, leadership and commitment to community will bring tremendous value not only to Rochester, but to the continued growth of our league and all its constituents.”
The Seneca Nation is the largest nation of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. The Seneca people have lived on the lands in what is today the western part of New York State since time immemorial and have made countless contributions to the region’s history, culture and economy. Today, the Seneca Nation has more than 8,500 enrolled members, most of whom live on several distinct territories in Western New York.
The Rochester Knighthawks are coming off a third straight trip to the National Lacrosse League Playoffs after winning a franchise-record tying 10 games. Forward Connor Fields made franchise history by becoming the first player in team history to win the NLL’s Most Valuable Player Award. The Knighthawks will open their sixth season in 2025-2026 with the new leadership and vision.
The history of professional box lacrosse in Rochester dates to the 1930s, with the founding of the Rochester Iroquois. The team was a dominant force in the pro box game for nearly four decades, winning multiple championships.
Future teams emerged, with the Rochester Chiefs (1969) and Rochester Griffins (1974) playing in the city, where both were crowned champions. The Rochester Greywolves in the 1970s and 1980s were predecessors to the original Rochester Knighthawks.
The K-Hawks, as they are known, were one of the most successful franchises in NLL history, winning five
titles, including the league’s first threepeat, from 2012-2014, before moving to Nova Scotia in 2019. The new Knighthawks have played five seasons and are coming off a fifth-place finish, which was its best in the modern era. Rochester has a team packed full of young stars who are poised to take another shot at the NLL playoffs.
Knighthawks General Manager Dan Carey will continue to lead the organization, assuming the expanded role of president and general manager.
“The roots of lacrosse run deep in Rochester, and thanks to the Seneca Nation for stepping up to save the Rochester Knighthawks franchise, the team now has a bright future ahead,” said Carey. “Having the Seneca Nation own the Knighthawks is a huge win for the National Lacrosse League, the City of Rochester as well as the sport of lacrosse.”
The Knighthawks will embark on the 31st season of NLL lacrosse in Rochester under the direction of Seneca Holdings and the Seneca Nation. The sale of the team to Seneca Holdings saves one of the beloved professional franchises in the city.
“I am thrilled and humbled by the Seneca Nation’s decision to purchase the Rochester Knighthawks, which not only keeps the team in Rochester but establishes our city as the setting for the next chapter in the long and proud history of lacrosse,” said Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans.
“It is deeply gratifying to see the Seneca Nation acquire a position of influence in the sacred sport of their ancestors. I look forward to working with them to ensure that the success of the Rochester Knighthawks continues to contribute to the vibrancy and vitality of our entire region.”