The Knighthawks are staying right where they belong – in the heart of Rochester, NY.
In an announcement this morning at Blue Cross Arena, NLL Commissioner Brett Frood revealed the sale of the Knighthawks to the Seneca Nation through its business arm, Seneca Holdings, LLC.
The press conference was attended by more than 200 people, including officials from the League, the Knighthawks, Seneca Nation, and was open to the media and fans. Frood, Knighthawks GM Dan Carey, Rochester mayor Malik Evans and Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca represented the different entities on stage with emcee Craig Rybczynski.
In June, the Knighthawks were put up for sale by Pegula Sports and Entertainment, which took over operations of the expansion team in 2019 after Curt Styres moved the original Knighthawks franchise to Halifax. PSE also owns the NLL’s Buffalo Bandits.
Frood worked tirelessly over the last two months to bring the deal to fruition to ensure the Knighthawks remained in Rochester.
“Lacrosse has been deeply rooted in this city for over 30 years,” said Rybczynski in his opening statement. “In this very building, the Rochester Knighthawks have delivered championships and built a legacy that reaches far beyond the turf. The tradition continues today and grows stronger with this announcement.”
(Photo by Micheline Veluvolu)
President Seneca remarked how sad he had been, and how he saw his community change when the NBA’s Buffalo Braves moved to Los Angeles.
“For us to be able to step in, take possession of this franchise and keep it here in Rochester means a great deal,” he said. “We realize the importance of it, our connection to this game of lacrosse and what it means to us as a medicine game, it’s a spiritual game, it’s a game that is able to bring our people and communities together.”
The move not only secures the future of professional box lacrosse in Rochester but also represents a meaningful step forward in the league’s ongoing commitment to its Indigenous heritage.
“The inclusion of a sovereign Native Nation in our ownership ranks brings even deeper meaning and authenticity to our mission,” stated Frood. “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.”
(Photo by Micheline Veluvolu)
The Knighthawks become the second Indigenous-owned NLL team, along with Styres’ Thunderbirds. President Seneca remarked that he is good friends with Styres.
Rochester mayor Malik Evans was especially thrilled that the people of Rochester will have a chance to learn about the game from the people that invented it, and that the League is adding more Indigenous leadership to its Board of Governors.
“That is a powerful testament,” he said. “It’s deeply gratifying to see the Seneca Nation acquire a position of influence in this sacred spot of their ancestors. Today marks an important day in the still-unfolding story of lacrosse, from its origins as the Creator’s Game of the Iroquois people to today’s multibillion-dollar sports industry featuring some of the best athletes in the world. And now returning full circle to the Seneca Nation, who are in a position to influence this incredible sport as a franchise owner. I am honored that Rochester is playing such an important role in this evolving story.”
Frood said the new ownership was immensely exciting for several reasons: That the Knighthawks will stay in Rochester; that the League is bringing on a great new partner in Seneca Nation; and that it allows for the deep cultural connections of the sport to be celebrated.
“These are our ancestral homelands,” he said. “Our people lived here for many, many years in the past and we’re still here.”
In a video presentation, President Seneca expanded on this thought: “Here it’s more than just the game. It’s the heartbeat of a community shaped by generations of greatness. Today, the Seneca Nation carries that tradition forward, strengthening the foundations of a storied franchise and a city built on championships, culture, tradition and family.”
ROCHESTER is HOME!🏠 @TheSenecaNation | @NLL pic.twitter.com/pqTOLSST1F
— Rochester Knighthawks (@RocKnighthawks) August 5, 2025
The Knighthawks are coming off a third straight trip to the NLL Playoffs after winning a franchise-record tying 10 games. Forward Connor Fields, who presented President Seneca with a custom Knighthawks jersey, made franchise history by becoming the first player in team history to win the NLL’s Most Valuable Player Award.
General manager Dan Carey, who will also take on the expanded role of Team President, said proudly that the future of the Knighthawks had never looked brighter.
“Today marks a truly special moment in the history of the Rochester Knighthawks, a new chapter grounded in heritage, community and an unwavering love for the game,” he remarked. “To have the Knighthawks now owned by the original stewards of the game is deeply meaningful. It’s a connection that goes beyond business. It’s history coming full circle.”
Frood spoke directly to the fans both in the arena and to those watching on NLL+ about helping the Knighthawks achieve greatness.
“It is incumbent on you to show up and grab your friends, and grab your friends’ friends, and pack this place. The venue, the owners, the players, deserve a full house.”
(Photo by Micheline Veluvolu)
