Laura Pegula is representing the Sabres as an alternate governor at NHL meetings
The ownership structure of both the NFL's Buffalo Bills and NHL's Buffalo Sabres fell into a cloud of uncertainty with the health crisis of co-owner Kim Pegula, but according to a report from Tim Graham of the Athletic, a succession plan has been put in place and one of co-owner Terry Pegula's children has emerged as a point person in the ownership group.
The 54-year-old Pegula suffered a cardiac episode that caused brain damage due to oxygen deprivation in June 2022 and according to the report, it has rendered her incapacitated. Terry Pegula filed legal documentation in 2023 and has been appointed “plenary guardian” to her assets (which include the NFL’s Bills and NHL’s Sabres) and that her holdings have been placed in a trust.
The 74-year-old (who purchased the Sabres from Tom Golisano in 2011 and the Bills from the estate of Ralph Wilson in 2014) serves as the CEO and team president of both franchises but has delegated day-to-day operations to newly appointed COO Pete Guelli, football operations to Bills GM Brandon Beane, and hockey operations to Sabres GM Kevyn Adams, but another point person with a growing role is Pegula’s eldest daughter Laura.
The 41-year-old is Terry’s daughter from his first marriage, has been involved in her father’s oil business and recently has been more visible in events such as the recent NFL owner’s meetings in Orlando, FL. According to the report, Laura is now serving as an alternate governor for the Sabres, has represented the club at recent NHL meetings and appeared at her father's side at the press conference late last month announcing the hiring of head coach Lindy Ruff.
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