- Details
- By Brian Edwards
- Economic Development
The Seneca Nation purchased the Rochester Knighthawks through its business subsidiary Seneca Holdings, LLC, ensuring the National Lacrosse League franchise remains in western New York where it has operated for six seasons. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The tribe’s acquisition represents a strategic investment by one of western New York's largest economic engines. The Seneca Nation provides an economic impact to the Western New York region of nearly $2 billion and operates government services and business enterprises that provide thousands of direct jobs, according to a statement.
"Lacrosse is part of our culture and Rochester is part of our ancestral home," Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca said in a statement. "Our ancestors were the first people to share the game of lacrosse with the world."
The deal preserves professional lacrosse in Rochester, the NLL's second-longest continuous market. The Knighthawks averaged 4,000 fans per game last season at their 10,425-seat venue.
Dan Carey will continue as president and general manager of the Knighthawks. NLL Commissioner Brett Frood called the acquisition “a deeply meaningful homecoming for the Creator's Game.”
The Seneca Nation, the largest of the Haudenosaunee confederacy with more than 8,500 enrolled members, holds territories throughout western New York. The NLL includes 14 franchises across North America and welcomed more than one million fans during the 2024-25 season.
The Seneca Nation becomes the second tribal entity to own an NLL franchise. The Mohegan tribe bought part-ownership of the New England Black Wolves in 2014 before selling the team in 2021. The Black Wolves relocated to Albany following the sale and became the Albany FireWolves.
Curt Styres of the Mohawk tribe became the first Native American owner of a National Lacrosse League team when he purchased 60% of the Rochester Knighthawks in May 2008, according to league records. The Knighthawks won three consecutive championships under Styres' ownership from 2012-2014.
The acquisition comes days after the Mohegan Tribe agreed to sell the WNBA's Connecticut Sun for $325 million. The tribe purchased the Sun in 2003 for $10 million, making it the first women's professional sports team owned by a tribal nation.
Seneca Holdings, formed in 2009, manages non-gaming investments to diversify the Nation's economy. The subsidiary operates businesses serving federal and commercial markets with more than 1,300 employees working across the country and internationally.
The Knighthawks will begin their 2025-26 season under Seneca Nation ownership, marking the 31st season of NLL lacrosse in Rochester.
