The Seneca Nation has acquired the National Lacrosse League (NLL) team Rochester Knighthawks through its Seneca Holdings business.
The Seneca Nation currently owns and operates three casinos: the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino on the Niagara Falls Territory in Niagara Falls, New York; the Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino in Salamanca; and the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino in downtown Buffalo.
The NLL described the sale of the Knighthawks to the Seneca Nation as a “meaningful step forward in the league’s ongoing commitment to its Indigenous heritage and long-term growth strategy”.
“The addition of the Seneca Nation to our ownership group represents a significant moment in the evolution of the National Lacrosse League,” said NLL Commissioner Brett Frood. “As we continue to grow and honour the Indigenous roots of the game, the inclusion of a sovereign Native Nation in our ownership ranks brings even deeper meaning and authenticity to our mission.
“This partnership strengthens our foundation as a league, and it reaffirms our commitment to elevating the sport in a way that is sustainable, passion-driven, and culturally grounded.”
J. Conrad Seneca, president of the Seneca Nation, commented: “This announcement is rooted in tradition and history and fueled by passion and excitement. Lacrosse is part of our culture, and Rochester is part of our ancestral home. The game was gifted to our ancestors by the Creator as a spiritual game and a game of healing, and our people shared lacrosse with the world.
“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.”