In the front row of seats at the historic press conference sat members of the Rochester Knighthawks lacrosse team. The nine players and Assistant Coach Kyle Kallay were visibly moved by the announcement of the Seneca Nation as the new ownership group of the storied franchise.
“Playing for the Knighthawks has always been my dream,” said Knighthawks defense Taylor Jensen. “And now having the Seneca Nation behind us adds a deeper meaning when we’re playing the Creator’s Game. I’ll never be able to express how thankful I am to have this game in my life, and I hope I can make the stewards of this game proud come November.”
Jensen was accompanied by teammates Connor Fields, Brad Gillies, Ryland Rees, Graydon Hogg, Josh Medeiros, Brad McCulley, Jake Piseno, and 2024 draft pick Connor Fingar. The players were among over 200 fans and media members who packed The Blue Cross Arena floor and spilled into the stands.
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK – AUGUST 5 :: NLL & Rochester Knighthawks announce new ownership with the Seneca Nation :: August 5, 2025 in Blue Cross Arena, Rochester, NY, USA (Photo by Micheline Veluvolu)
The deal was made possible through the dedication and collaboration of NLL Commissioner Brett Frood, Rochester Mayor Malik Evans, Jeff Ellis and the team at Seneca Holdings, Knighthawks President and General Manager Dan Carey, and Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca and his leadership team.
Councilors, Executives, and Seneca Nation elders were in attendance, along with representatives from Seneca Holdings, VenuWorks, the National Lacrosse League, and the City of Rochester.
The historic day marked a turning point for a team whose future was uncertain as recently as June. Reigning NLL MVP and Buffalo native Connor Fields expressed his relief upon hearing the news. Now, with the team staying in Rochester, his wife Lara, their son Finn, and the rest of his family can continue making the hour-long drive down the Thruway to watch him play at home.
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK – AUGUST 5 :: NLL & Rochester Knighthawks announce new ownership with the Seneca Nation :: August 5, 2025 in Blue Cross Arena, Rochester, NY, USA (Photo by Micheline Veluvolu)
“For us, after last season, it was uncertainty,” said Connor Fields, who had the honor of presenting a jersey to President J. Conrad Seneca. “We didn’t know if there was going to be another season, you know, with this team, in this city.”
Gillies also has ties to Rochester. After graduating from RIT in 2015, he planted his roots in the Flower City. The Oakville, Ontario, native has called Rochester home for a decade and played for both Knighthawks franchises. His household was equally ecstatic about the Seneca Nation buying the franchise.
“I’m excited about the new ownership group,” he said. “Their passion for the sport is evident. I think this will lead to great things not only on the floor but in the community as well.”
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK – AUGUST 5 :: NLL & Rochester Knighthawks announce new ownership with the Seneca Nation :: August 5, 2025 in Blue Cross Arena, Rochester, NY, USA (Photo by Micheline Veluvolu)
Medeiros, who joined the Knighthawks in the expansion draft last season, had recently experienced a team ceasing operations, having played for the Panther City Lacrosse Club for three seasons. Although he has only played in Rochester for one season, he has already developed an affinity for the fans and his teammates.
“What an exciting time for the city of Rochester,” he said. “I’ve only been here for a year, and I’m thrilled to be able to continue to play in this great city in front of the best fans in the NLL.”
The Knighthawks will open their sixth season in 2025-26 and are coming off a third straight trip to the National Lacrosse League Playoffs. On opening night, a thriving lacrosse market will once again be able to celebrate its professional lacrosse team thanks to the Seneca Nation.
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK – AUGUST 5 :: NLL & Rochester Knighthawks announce new ownership with the Seneca Nation :: August 5, 2025 in Blue Cross Arena, Rochester, NY, USA (Photo by Micheline Veluvolu)
“This isn’t just about lacrosse. This is about identity,” said Knighthawks President & General Manager. “The Seneca Nation is a founding people of this region—and lacrosse is a game that has been part of their culture for centuries. To have the Knighthawks now owned by the original stewards of the game is deeply meaningful. It’s a connection that goes beyond business. It’s history coming full circle.”
“As we look ahead, we’re filled with excitement,” he added. “We’re ready to embark on this journey with our players, staff, partners, and—most importantly—our fans. Together, with the strength of the Seneca Nation and the spirit of Rochester behind us, the future of the Knighthawks has never looked brighter.”
About Seneca Nation
The Seneca Nation is a sovereign Native Nation located on their ancestral lands in what is today Western New York. Currently, the Seneca Nation has over 8,500 enrolled members and holds title to several distinct territories. The Seneca Nation has an influential role in the economy of Western New York, providing thousands of jobs through its government operations and a growing network of Nation-owned business enterprises. As the westernmost nation of the Haudenosaunee, or Iroquois Confederacy, the Seneca Nation earned the responsibility as “Keeper of the Western Door,” ensuring the peace and tranquility along the western boundaries of their lands. The Seneca Nation continues that obligation by sustaining its Nation-to-Nation relationship with the United States of America and the State of New York.
