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Kim Pegula

Kim Pegula is a South Korean-born American sports executive and co-owner of the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Kim Pegula is a South Korean-born American sports executive and co-owner of the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres. She served as president of Pegula Sports and Entertainment and became the first woman to serve as president of both an NFL and NHL team. Since a severe cardiac arrest in 2022, she has largely remained out of the public eye.

Early life

Kim Pegula was born in Seoul, South Korea, and was adopted at age five by Ralph and Marilyn Kerr. She grew up in Fairport, New York, and attended Houghton College.

Business and sports leadership

Pegula worked at East Resources before its sale in 2010. She later became president and CEO of Pegula Sports and Entertainment, overseeing the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, and related holdings.

Role with the Bills and Sabres

Pegula held senior leadership roles with both the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres and became the first female president in each league. She was also involved in team operations, committee work, and franchise development.

Health and reduced public role

In June 2022, Pegula suffered a cardiac arrest that caused serious health effects. Subsequent reporting says she has been rehabilitating and has made limited public appearances since.

Key facts

  • She is a co-owner of the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres.
  • She served as president and CEO of Pegula Sports and Entertainment.
  • She became the first woman to serve as president of both an NFL and NHL team.
  • She was born in Seoul, South Korea, and was adopted as a child.
  • She suffered a cardiac arrest in June 2022 and has since largely stayed out of public view.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Kim Pegula?
Kim Pegula is a South Korean-born American sports executive and co-owner of the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres.
What teams does she own?
She is co-owner of the Buffalo Bills in the NFL and the Buffalo Sabres in the NHL.
What was her role at Pegula Sports and Entertainment?
She served as president and CEO of Pegula Sports and Entertainment, the family holding company for several sports and entertainment assets.
Was she the first woman to lead an NFL and NHL team?
Yes. Reports from the Bills and other sources say she became the first female president of both an NFL and an NHL team.
What happened to her in 2022?
She suffered a cardiac arrest in June 2022 and has had significant health effects since then.
What is her connection to Canada?
She has no major direct Canada-specific connection in the available sources; her relevance is primarily through North American professional sports ownership.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Pegula
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, adoption background, business roles, and 2022 health event.
  2. Buffalo Bills — https://www.buffalobills.com/team/front-office-roster/kim-pegula
    Supports: Ownership, first female president claim, committee memberships.
  3. Buffalo Bills — https://www.buffalobills.com/team/front-office-roster/kim-pegula-2
    Supports: Hometown, education, East Resources career, and 2014 Bills purchase.
  4. NFL — https://www.nfl.com/news/bills-co-owner-kim-pegula-breaks-team-huddle-in-latest-sign-of-her-recovery-from-cardiac-arrest
    Supports: Public role, health-related reduced presence, and team ownership details.
  5. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/34163127/buffalo-bills-sabres-co-owner-kim-pegula-progressing-well-health-issue
    Supports: Health update, ownership, and executive positions.
  6. People — https://www.people.com/all-about-jessica-pegula-parents-terry-and-kim-pegula-11800388
    Supports: Marriage, family, and adoption background.