Kim Pegula, the co-owner of the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres, passed away in February 2025, leaving behind an incredible legacy that transcended the…

Kim Pegula: A Legacy of Leadership, Resilience, and Love for Sports

 

Kim Pegula, the co-owner of the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres, passed away in February 2025, leaving behind an incredible legacy that transcended the world of sports. As a businesswoman, philanthropist, and visionary, her contributions to the sports industry and her community have had a profound impact. Pegula’s death marks the end of an era for the Buffalo sports scene, a city she deeply loved and served with unwavering dedication.

 

Born in Seoul, South Korea, on June 7, 1969, Kim Pegula’s life story was one of extraordinary perseverance and transformation. Adopted at the age of five by the Pegula family, she moved to the United States and eventually settled in Western New York. Her upbringing instilled in her the values of hard work and determination, which would serve her well in her future endeavors.

 

Kim’s professional journey began in the business world, where she made her mark by becoming an entrepreneur in various sectors. However, it was in the realm of sports that her influence truly blossomed. In 2014, she and her husband, Terry Pegula, made a groundbreaking move by purchasing the Buffalo Bills for $1.4 billion. This was a significant milestone in both her personal career and the history of the team. Kim’s passion for sports ownership was immediately evident, and she quickly became an influential figure in the NFL. Her dedication to the team was not just about running a business, but about bringing pride and success to the city of Buffalo.

 

Kim Pegula’s involvement with the Buffalo Sabres, the NHL team that the Pegulas purchased in 2011, further showcased her deep commitment to sports and community. As a co-owner, she played an integral role in shaping the Sabres’ vision and direction. Her leadership was especially evident in her role as the president of the Sabres, where she worked tirelessly to ensure the team’s operations were effective and sustainable. Through both the Sabres and Bills, Kim worked to create a lasting impact on the teams’ performance, their fan bases, and the local economy.

 

But Kim Pegula’s influence wasn’t confined to the boardroom. She was deeply invested in the Buffalo community, and her philanthropic efforts have touched countless lives. Together with her husband, she founded the Pegula Foundation, a charitable organization that supports various initiatives across education, health care, and sports. Their foundation was a driving force behind many local programs, including funding for the University at Buffalo’s medical school and a new rehabilitation facility at the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. Her contributions helped enhance the lives of individuals throughout the region, and her support of local causes will forever be remembered.

 

Kim’s leadership style was defined by her authenticity, strength, and empathy. She was a rare figure in the world of sports ownership—someone who not only understood the importance of business success but also the role that sports played in shaping communities. Her approach was never about creating a divide between herself and the people she served; instead, it was about finding ways to connect with fans and stakeholders on a personal level. Her warm, accessible demeanor made her a beloved figure in Buffalo, and her ability to balance business acumen with emotional intelligence was a testament to her unique leadership.

 

While she will always be remembered for her work with the Bills and Sabres, Kim Pegula’s life was far more than her professional accomplishments. Her family meant everything to her, and she was known for her close relationships with her children, her husband, and her extended family. In a world where fame and success often come at the cost of personal connections, Kim remained grounded, placing immense value on the people she loved. She led by example, showing the importance of balance in life, between ambition and family, between work and rest.

 

Kim’s legacy is one that will live on in the history of Buffalo’s sports teams and beyond. In an era where the role of women in sports ownership and management is still a subject of discussion, Kim broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of women in leadership roles. Her success story was a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to the causes she cared about.

 

In the months and years to come, fans, colleagues, and the entire Buffalo community will reflect on Kim Pegula’s profound influence. The Pegula family’s stewardship of the Bills and Sabres will undoubtedly continue, but Kim’s unique impact will be felt in every decision, every game, and every moment that celebrates the essence of sports.

 

Kim Pegula was more than just an owner; she was a leader, a philanthropist, and a beacon of hope for those who believed in the power of sports to bring people together. As the Buffalo Bills and Sabres continue their journeys, the legacy she leaves behind will forever be intertwined with the heart and soul of the city.

 

Her passing is a reminder that leadership can take many forms, but true leaders are remembered not only for their achievements but for the way they uplift others, change lives, and leave an indelible mark on the world around them. Kim Pegula’s influence, both on and off the field, will continue to inspire those who knew her and those who never had the privilege of meeting her, but who will forever appreciate the extraordinary life she led.