News

Kim Pegula Replaces Russ Brandon As Buffalo Bills & Sabres, First Female Team President In NFL History

Kim Pegula is set to make history as the new president of both the Buffalo Bills and Sabres.

Kim Pegula Becomes New Bills, Sabres President

Pegula — a co-owner of the teams — will replace Russ Brandon, who announced his resignation on Tuesday. She will now become the first female team president in NFL history.

Kim and Terry Pegula — who will oversee team operations — released this joint statement:

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.

“We have a tremendous amount of confidence in the strong leadership teams we have built within each of those entities over the last several years,” the Pegulas’ statement read. “We are excited about the direction of our teams, especially after this past weekend’s NFL Draft and the NHL lottery results. Our focus remains on building championship teams on and off the field for our fans and community.”

SLIDESHOW: 30 Best Sports Instagrams!

According to a Buffalo News report, Brandon is resigning amid an “internal investigation into Brandon’s workplace behavior and allegations of personal misconduct.”

Brandon, who has spent the last 20 years as president and CEO of the Bills, said he had been mulling leaving his post for some time.

Pegula, 48, has worked as a member of the Super Bowl Committee and the NFL Foundation Board, a non-profit organization committed to improving the lives of people who work in the league. Women have previously served in minor executive positions or as assistant coaches in the NFL — like Kathryn Smith, whom the Bills hired as special teams quality control coach in 2016 — but never as a team president. Amy Trask served as CEO of the Oakland Raiders from 1997 to 2013, during Al Davis‘s tenure as owner and general manager of the organization.

Pegula will also become the only female team president in the NHL by leading the Sabres.

SLIDESHOW: 10 Highest-Paid Athletes

Tim Graham of the Buffalo News said Pegula’s role as president of both teams will be a permanent one.

The Bills reached the playoffs this past season for the first time since 1999. They drafted Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen as the seventh overall pick last week.

The Sabres finished with the worst record in the NHL this year (25-45-12), although they have the top overall pick in the 2018 draft.

 

 

Pablo Mena

Writer and assistant editor for usports.org. NY Giants and Rangers fan. Film and TV enthusiast (especially Harry Potter and The Office) and lover of foreign languages and cultures.

Recent Posts

Pete Crow-Armstrong Career Season Could Put Him In An Elite Crew In MLB History

Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong is on track to join an elite club. Crow-Armstrong…

2 days ago

Buffalo Bills Celebrate Canadian Fans By Playing “O Canada” Before Home Opener

For their home opener, the Buffalo Bills had The Barenaked Ladies perform the Canadian national…

2 days ago

2032 Brisbane Olympics Pick Crocodile-Infested River As Rowing Venue

A rowing venue for the 2032 Olympics was given the green light to host after…

2 days ago

John Harbaugh’s Giants Are Playing Tough Football – How Far Can He Take Them?

John Harbaugh’s first game as New York Giants coach couldn’t have gone better for the…

2 days ago

Jon Jones & Islam Makhachev Take Shots Over Jones’ UFC Win Streak & PED Use

Two of the greatest UFC fighters in history, Jon Jones and Islam Makhachev, have been…

3 days ago

Colts’ Receiver Alec Pierce Placed On IR Following Heel Injury In Week 2 Overtime Loss

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce has been placed on injury reserve after he exited…

3 days ago