Meet Kelly Pegula: The Unsung Heroine of Western New York's Oil and Sports Empire

Kelly Pegula is a name that may not be immediately familiar to everyone, especially outside of Western New York. However, for those in the region, she is a household name and a well-respected businesswoman and philanthropist. As the co-owner of the Buffalo Bills football team and a significant stakeholder in the Buffalo Sabres hockey team, Kelly Pegula is a leading figure in Western New York's sports scene. Her husband, Terry Pegula, is the co-owner of the teams, but Kelly is often the driving force behind the business side of things, overseeing the daily operations of the teams and making crucial decisions that have shaped the sports landscape in the region.

**Early Life and Career**

Kelly Pegula was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and grew up in Minnesota surrounded by a strong family of entrepreneurs. Her father was a successful businessman, and she learned valuable lessons about business and the importance of hard work from a young age. After graduating from Princeton University in 1990 with a degree in economics, Kelly Pegula joined the family business, East Resources, which was founded by her father. She spent the next several years working her way up the ranks, learning the ins and outs of the oil and gas industry.

**The Birth of the Pegula Empire**

In 2011, Kelly Pegula and her husband Terry acquired East Resources, which was renamed Cayuga Petroleum Partners. This marked the beginning of the Pegula empire, which would eventually grow to include the Buffalo Bills and Sabres. Under Kelly's leadership, the Pegulas' company, Empire Sports & Entertainment, began to expand its interests in Western New York, buying controlling stakes in both the Buffalo Sabres (in 2011) and the Buffalo Bills (in 2014).

**The Buffalo Bills' Rebirth under Kelly Pegula**

The acquisition of the Buffalo Bills marked a turning point in the team's history. The team had struggled for years, but under Kelly's guidance, the Bills began to experience a resurgence. In 2016, the team signed quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who would lead the team to several playoff appearances, including a shocking defeat of the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2017 AFC Wild Card game. Kelly was instrumental in helping bring stability and a renewed sense of hope to the team and the city of Buffalo.

**The Buffalo Sabres' Path to Relevance**

Kelly Pegula has been equally instrumental in the growth and development of the Buffalo Sabres. After purchasing the team, she oversaw the hiring of several key personnel, including General Manager Jason Botterill, who helped the team qualify for the playoffs in 2018. However, the Sabres have struggled to find consistency and have not yet reached the level of success seen by the Bills. Kelly remains committed to the team and has stated that she is dedicated to finding the right combination of talent and leadership to bring the Sabres to the playoffs consistently.

**Philanthropic Efforts**

Kelly Pegula's philanthropic work is equally impressive. She and her husband have donated millions of dollars to various charitable organizations in the Western New York area. The Pegulas' commitment to the region is not limited to sports; they have also supported initiatives aimed at improving education, healthcare, and veterans' welfare. Kelly believes in the importance of giving back to the community and has been recognized for her volunteer work, including receiving the 2020 Niagara Frontier Charitable Services Award.

**Business Acumen**

Kelly Pegula's business acumen has been instrumental in the growth and success of the Pegula empire. Under her guidance, the company has diversified its interests and expanded into various sectors, including oil and gas, real estate, and hospitality. She serves on the board of several companies, including East Resources and the Buffalo Sabres, demonstrating her commitment to responsible corporate governance. Kelly's expertise has been sought after by industry peers, and she has been featured in various publications and conferences on business and entrepreneurship.

**Behind the Scenes**

While Kelly Pegula is often seen in the front row at sports events, there is often little recognition of her behind-the-scenes work. She is the driving force behind many decisions, from player personnel moves to facility renovations and programming. Her passion for sports and business has enabled the Pegulas to be game-changers in the region, making them one of the most successful sports ownership groups in the country. Kelly's humility and dedication to her community have earned her the respect of fans, colleagues, and industry experts alike.

**Personal Life**

Kelly Pegula's personal life is relatively private, but she has spoken publicly about the challenges she has faced, particularly in the early days of her career, as a woman in a male-dominated industry. Kelly believes in balance between her professional and personal life, attributing her success to her strong support system, including her husband Terry and her children. Her family's philanthropic work is a source of pride for Kelly, who has said that giving back to the community is a way to "create a lasting impact" beyond their business achievements.

Ultimately, Kelly Pegula is more than just the wife of Terry Pegula; she is a shrewd businesswoman and leader who has left an indelible mark on Western New York. Her commitment to sports, philanthropy, and community development has earned her a place in the Region's annals of business and recognition as a true powerbroker in the sports world.