Pegulas Donate $174,600 Amid KeyBank Center Funding Talks

The Sabres owners directed significant campaign contributions to Governor Hochul and state Democrats on January 23, 2026.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Philanthropy

Bold flat-color editorial illustration depicting a stylized, geometric stadium dome silhouette, symbolizing the institutional scale of public funding negotiations. — Terry and Kim Pegula donated $174,600 to New York Democrats as they seek state funding for renovations to the KeyBank Center. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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On January 23, 2026, Terry and Kim Pegula donated a combined $174,600 to the New York State Democratic Committee and Kathy Hochul's campaign. The contribution coincides with reported efforts by the Sabres ownership to secure state funding for major renovations to KeyBank Center.

Why it matters

The family is potentially seeking hundreds of millions of dollars in public funding for KeyBank Center, which has not seen a major renovation since opening in 1996. This follows the state's previous commitment of $600 million for the new Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park.

The donations included $138,600 to the New York State Democratic Committee and $18,000 each from Terry and Kim Pegula to Friends for Kathy Hochul. The Sabres currently operate under a lease extending until 2031, with naming rights secured through the 2035-36 season.

The players

Terry Pegula

He is the owner of the Buffalo Sabres and the Buffalo Bills.

Kim Pegula

She is the co-owner of the Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Bills.

Kathy Hochul

She serves as the Governor of New York.

William Hochul

He previously held senior executive roles at Delaware North between 2016 and 2023.

Ostroff Associates

This is an Albany-based lobbying firm that represents the Buffalo Sabres.

The details

The Sabres utilize the Albany-based lobbying firm Ostroff Associates to represent their interests in state government negotiations. William Hochul, who served as a senior executive at Delaware North from 2016 to 2023, maintains ties to the business landscape in which these discussions take place.

January 23, 2026: The Pegulas made donations to Kathy Hochul and the New York State Democratic Committee.
2031: The lease agreement for the Buffalo Sabres is set to expire.
2035-36 season: The current naming rights for KeyBank Center are scheduled to end.

Market Landscape

This move mirrors the broader trend of professional sports owners seeking public subsidies for stadium and arena infrastructure projects. It positions the Sabres ownership within an competitive landscape where large-scale renovations are increasingly supported by state capital investments.

For local taxpayers, these developments signal a potential increase in public spending on professional sports facilities. Residents may see debate regarding whether the state should prioritize arena infrastructure updates over other regional public services.

The takeaway

These donations highlight the intersection of private sports ownership and public policy advocacy in New York. Interested observers should monitor future state budget proposals for potential allocations toward KeyBank Center upgrades.