The Seneca Nation was announced as the Knighthawks’ new owner Tuesday. It is thought to be the first sovereign Native Nation to own a major professional lacrosse team, according to a Seneca spokesperson.

After the previous owners stepped away this summer, the Seneca Nation was named the new owner of the Rochester Knighthawks.

The Seneca Nation has purchased the National Lacrosse League's Rochester Knighthawks, taking over after Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres owners Terry and Kim Pegula chose in June to sell.

The National Lacrosse League's Rochester Knighthawks have new ownership, as the league announced that the Seneca Nation -- via its business arm Seneca Holdings, LLC -- has acquired the team. As part of the announcement, there was also confirmation that the team will remain in the Flower City.

During "Connections" on 08/06/25, guest host Brian Sharp and his panel discuss Seneca Nation's purchase of the Rochester Knighthawks. Then, a rebroadcast of our talk on Tiki culture in Rochester.

The Seneca Nation and Knighthawks’ announcement will be live-streamed in this article at 10 a.m. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — The Seneca Nation and the Rochester Knighthawks will be making a major announcement Tuesday morning.

Our ancestors were the first people to share the game of lacrosse with the world,” Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca said.