Beyond the court, Jessica Pegula is part of a sports empire! From her incredible US Open run to her family’s powerful influence over the Buffalo Bills and Sabres, the Pegulas are redefining sports dynasties. What’s next for this incredibly influential family?
In the expansive world of professional sports, it is a rare and compelling phenomenon for a single family to wield such significant influence across multiple major arenas. The Pegula name has become synonymous with Buffalo pride and athletic prowess, largely through Terry and Kim Pegula’s esteemed ownership of the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres, complemented by their daughter Jessica Pegula’s remarkable ascent to the pinnacle of women’s tennis. Her growing global success is captivating both fans and collectors alike, as her trading cards increasingly stand alongside those of legendary figures from the Bills and Sabres.
Jessica Pegula has meticulously carved her own distinguished path on the fiercely competitive global tennis stage, establishing herself as a formidable force. Currently holding impressive rankings within the top echelons of both singles and doubles, she consistently advances deep into the sport’s most prestigious tournaments. Her dedication and skill have solidified her reputation as a top contender.
Her stellar performance at the 2025 US Open further cemented her status, showcasing an unblemished record as she progressed without dropping a single set. Dominating opponents like Mayar Sherif, Anna Blinkova, and even former champion Victoria Azarenka, Jessica Pegula has powerfully advanced to the Round of 16. With her sights set on facing Ann Li next, she aims to either equal or surpass her impressive runner-up finish from the previous year, demonstrating her unwavering ambition.
The foundation of the Pegula family’s sprawling sports empire traces back to Terry Pegula’s profound success in the energy sector. A petroleum engineer by training, he demonstrated entrepreneurial foresight by founding East Resources in 1983 with a modest investment of just $7,500. The company flourished spectacularly during the shale gas boom, leading to multi-billion-dollar asset sales in 2010 and 2014, which provided the substantial capital necessary for the family’s ambitious diversification into professional sports.
Their most significant and high-profile ventures materialized in the sporting world, beginning with the acquisition of the Buffalo Sabres in 2011, swiftly followed by the monumental purchase of the Buffalo Bills in 2014. These strategic acquisitions irrevocably solidified the Pegulas’ role as integral stewards of Buffalo’s most cherished and historically significant sports franchises, deeply embedding them within the city’s cultural fabric.
The Buffalo Bills represent the crown jewel within the Pegula family’s esteemed portfolio of sports ownership. Since taking the reins in 2014, Terry and Kim Pegula have masterfully guided the franchise into one of its most competitive and successful eras. Under the dynamic leadership of quarterback Josh Allen, the Bills have consistently emerged as perennial playoff contenders. Furthermore, with an estimated valuation approaching $6 billion, the Pegulas have quadrupled their original investment, highlighting their astute business acumen.
The presence of star players like Stefon Diggs and a consistently fierce defense has only amplified the team’s national profile, re-establishing Buffalo as an unmissable destination for football enthusiasts. While Jessica Pegula often expresses her support through subtle yet heartfelt gestures, such as famously writing “Go Bills” on courtside cameras after significant tennis victories, the team’s distinct identity and impressive achievements stand proudly on their own merit.
The Pegulas’ influential ownership extends to the Buffalo Sabres, which stands as another vital pillar of their burgeoning sports empire. Since acquiring the franchise in 2011, they have diligently worked to bring stability to the team and ensure that the cherished tradition of hockey remains deeply rooted in Western New York. Despite experiencing the inherent ups and downs on the ice, the Sabres continue to boast an incredibly passionate fan base and maintain a promising pipeline of standout talent for the future.
Indeed, the Pegula family belongs to an exclusive circle of powerful families whose expansive influence gracefully spans multiple major professional sports leagues. This elite group includes entities such as Stan Kroenke’s organization, which presides over the Rams, Nuggets, Avalanche, and Arsenal; the Ilitch family, who manage the Red Wings and Tigers; and the Glazers, who oversee both the Buccaneers and Manchester United, underscoring the profound and far-reaching impact of these remarkable sports dynasties.
