The National Lacrosse League announced a landmark moment in its history as the Seneca Nation, through its business entity Seneca Holdings, LLC, has officially acquired ownership of the Rochester Knighthawks. The move not only secures the future of professional box lacrosse in Rochester but represents a historic milestone as the first sovereign Native Nation to own an NLL franchise.
Anthony Volpe delivers grand slam, career-high five RBI in return as Yankees sweep Rockies “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 honor 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.”
The Seneca Nation, the largest of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Confederacy), has a profound cultural connection to lacrosse, known as the Creator’s Game. Their leadership and investment reinforce the NLL’s long-term commitment to honoring the sport’s Indigenous origins while advancing its future in professional arenas.
“This marks a pivotal moment for the National Lacrosse League and reflects the strong momentum across our business enterprise,” Frood added. “The Seneca Nation brings a proven track record of successful, long-term investments and astute leadership that will strengthen the Knighthawks franchise and the entire Rochester market.”
The NLL has seen three consecutive seasons with attendance exceeding one million fans, part of its broader strategy to build community-rooted franchises with a sustainable, culturally grounded foundation. The addition of the Seneca Nation aligns with these goals, ensuring that the Knighthawks remain an integral part of Rochester while preserving the game’s deep Indigenous heritage.
“Lacrosse is part of our culture and Rochester is part of our ancestral home,” said Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca. “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.”
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.