Jessica Pegula, the world No. 3 women’s tennis player, is actively looking past her playing career toward sports ownership. In an interview with CNBC Sport, the 32-year-old athlete discussed her future aspirations within her family’s sports empire, which includes the NFL’s Buffalo Bills and the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres.
Evaluating a Future in Buffalo Sports Ownership
Terry and Kim Pegula purchased the Buffalo Bills for $1.4 billion in 2014, and CNBC recently valued the franchise at $8.5 billion. The couple also bought the Buffalo Sabres in 2011 for $165 million, with the NHL team now valued at $1.42 billion according to CNBC’s Official NHL Team Valuations 2025.
“I can’t say that wouldn’t be exciting if I got to help out with the organization one day,” Pegula told CNBC Sport. “I always thought that I wanted to be in the sporting world when I was done with tennis.” Despite record-high team valuations across professional sports leagues and a wave of recent franchise sales, Pegula stated she would not want her family to sell the teams.
Family Ties and On-Field Success
The Buffalo Bills have emerged as top Super Bowl contenders behind MVP quarterback Josh Allen, maintaining a perfect 3-0 record to start the current season. Reflecting on the family business, Pegula noted, “I think it’s been an amazing part of our family and a way we’ve grown closer.” She added that she believes her father wants to keep the franchises within the family.
Did you know? Kim Pegula made history as the first female team president in NFL history, serving as president and CEO of Pegula Sports and Entertainment before stepping back following a 2022 health emergency.
Reflecting on Kim Pegula’s Recovery
Pegula opened up about her mother’s health trauma after Kim Pegula suffered a cardiac arrest in 2022. “That was really tough,” Pegula said. “She went into cardiac arrest, and that was a lot to deal with. But I think for the most part, we’re on the other end of it now.” In 2023, Kim was legally declared incapacitated due to a brain injury affecting her motor skills, language, and memory.
“Now I think she’s able to travel, she’s able to experience things with us,” Pegula said, “and I think at the end of the day, that’s the most important and the part that we cherish the most, being able to spend time with her and her being able to enjoy things with us again.”
Tennis as a Therapeutic Outlet During Family Crisis
During the most stressful periods of her mother’s medical emergency, Pegula found solace on the tennis court. “She’d want me to be out there playing tournaments and competing,” Pegula said of her mother. “So I think, ultimately, tennis really helped me get through that.” While looking ahead to potential ownership roles, Pegula acknowledged that the family’s perspective on the future shifted after the health crisis. “I think we learned that after what happened with my mom, that you never know what’s going to happen,” she said.
Common Questions About the Pegula Family Sports Empire
What sports teams do Terry and Kim Pegula own?
Terry and Kim Pegula own the NFL’s Buffalo Bills, which they purchased in 2014, and the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres, acquired in 2011.
What are the current valuations of the Bills and Sabres?
According to recent CNBC valuations, the Buffalo Bills are valued at $8.5 billion, and the Buffalo Sabres are valued at $1.42 billion.
What role did Kim Pegula hold in the organization?
Kim Pegula served as the president and CEO of Pegula Sports and Entertainment, making history as the first female team president in NFL history.
Does Jessica Pegula plan to run the teams eventually?
Jessica Pegula stated that she would love to help out with the organization one day after her tennis career concludes, though she recognizes that unforeseen life events can alter long-term plans.
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