The Knighthawks are staying home.
The Seneca Nation, through its business subsidiary Seneca Holdings, LLC, has purchased the Knighthawks, keeping them in the Flour City deep in pro lacrosse tradition.
Rochester stays as the second-longest continuous market in the National Lacrosse League.
“Rochester has long been one of the foundational cities of professional box lacrosse and today marks a powerful step forward in continuing that legacy,” said NLL Commissioner Brett Frood in a release. “The Seneca Nation’s acquisition of the Knighthawks is more than a change in ownership — it’s a deeply meaningful homecoming for the Creator’s Game. We’re honored to welcome the Seneca Nation into the National Lacrosse League ownership family. The Nation’s cultural heritage, leadership and commitment to community will bring tremendous value not only to Rochester, but to the continued growth of our league and all its constituents.”
The future had been very much in doubt. In June, former owners Terry and Kim Pegula divested the franchise from its portfolio, which includes the Buffalo Bandits, the NFL’s Buffalo Bills and the AHL’s Rochester Amerks. Buzz began in recent weeks of a move that would keep the Knighthawks in Rochester, and the Seneca Nation became that lifeline.
They become the second indigenous-owned team in the NLL. Curt Styres owns the Halifax Thunderbirds and had owned the original Rochester Knighthawks. The New England Black Wolves were partially owned by the Mohegan Tribe until the Black Wolves were sold to the group that became the Albany FireWolves.
Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca spoke about the first lacrosse goal he ever scored in his life being in Rochester during a Tuesday morning news conference at Blue Cross Arena, which was decorated in the Knighthawks’ current green and black color scheme.
“This announcement is rooted in tradition and history and fueled by passion and excitement,” said Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca. “Lacrosse is part of our culture and Rochester is part of our ancestral home. Our ancestors were the first people to share the game of lacrosse with the world. It was gifted to them by the Creator as a spiritual game and a game of healing. The Seneca Nation is thrilled to celebrate our connection to the Creator’s Game and to this community by keeping the Knighthawks in Rochester, where we look forward to building a bright future rooted in the team’s winning tradition.”
Dan Carey will take on an expanded role of president and GM.
“The roots of lacrosse run deep in Rochester, and thanks to the Seneca Nation for stepping up to save the Rochester Knighthawks franchise, the team now has a bright future ahead,” said Carey. “Having the Seneca Nation own the Knighthawks is a huge win for the National Lacrosse League, the City of Rochester as well as the sport of lacrosse!”