
08/06/2025
Seneca Nation Leads the Way with Landmark Purchase of NLL’s Rochester Knighthawks
The Seneca Nation has made history by acquiring the Rochester Knighthawks through its business entity Seneca Holdings LLC, becoming the first Indigenous Nation to own a National Lacrosse League (NLL) franchise.
The acquisition represents more than just a business deal— it’s a symbolic and cultural homecoming for a sport that originated with the Haudenosaunee people and shared with the world.
The Seneca Nation, one of the six original nations in the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, has long carried the title of “Keeper of the Western Door,” a role symbolizing their responsibility to protect the western territories of the Confederacy. The purchase represents that enduring cultural connection.
“This is more than just a business decision—it’s a celebration of who we are,” said Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca in the NLL’s official announcement. “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 honor that legacy by keeping the Knighthawks in Rochester, where we look forward to building a bright future rooted in the team’s winning tradition.”
Founded in 1995, the Rochester Knighthawks quickly became an NLL powerhouse, winning five league championships, including three consecutive titles from 2012-2014. In 2019, when the original franchise relocated to Halifax, the NLL granted Rochester a new expansion team that retained the Knighthawks name, branding, and home at Blue Cross Arena. Since then, the team continues to grow, including multiple playoff appearances, and now entering a new era under the Seneca Nation.
While the NLL features many Indigenous players from across North America, none of the current Knighthawks roster are from the Seneca Nation. However, standout Seneca athletes like Zed Williams, Larson Sundown, Zach Miller, and Frank Brown have made meaningful contributions to the NLL— showcasing the deep connection the Haudenosaunee people have to lacrosse.
The acquisition is a first in professional lacrosse and a major step for Indigenous representation in the sports industry. This milestone celebrates the Seneca Nation’s rich heritage while also reinforcing their commitment to preserving and promoting the game on a professional stage— leading the way in honoring the past while inspiring future generations of players and fans alike.
Photo courtesy of the National Lacrosse League (NLL).
By Kassidy Jacobs, Journalist - First Nations Media Network
Edited by, Regan Jacobs, Executive Media Producer — First Nations Media Network