It’s hard to believe that it was ten years ago today that a record-breaking financial deal was made, changing Buffalo Bills history. 

After the death of longtime Bills owner Ralph Wilson, fans were incredibly nervous about what would happen to their beloved team. Stress over the team’s potential sale (and rumors the team would move out of the area) had Bills Mafia understandably stressed. 

Ten years later, the team is still here, a new stadium is on the way, and a quarterback named Josh Allen has swooped in to give us the hope we’d been lacking for years, and whether you like them or not, we have two people to specifically thank for that. 

10 Year Anniversary Of The Pegulas Buying The Buffalo Bills

Kim & Terry Pegula Buffalo Bills
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It’s officially been a decade since Terry and Kim Pegula purchased the Buffalo Bills

The Pegulas, who married in 1993 and have three children and two step-children together, famously purchased the Buffalo Sabres in early 2011, along with the AHL Rochester Americans and the NLL Buffalo Bandits. They would also eventually take ownership of the now defunct Buffalo Beauts, as well as the Bandits rival Rochester Knighthawks of the NLL (Kim Pegula grew up in the Rochester area). 

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In 2014, shortly after the death of Bills’ former owner Ralph Wilson, the couple set out to buy the Buffalo Bills, famously competing with (pre-President) Donald Trump and ultimately winning out with a then-record $1.4 billion cash bid that was paid via wire transfer.  

After a vetting process by the NFL, Kim and Terry Pegula officially took ownership of the Buffalo Bills 

According to Forbes, the Buffalo Bills are now estimated to be valued at $4.2 billion. 

Tragic Moments In Pegula’s Ownership History

Kim Pegula
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Of course, the ownership has had its ups and downs with dark times. Specifically, the shattering health issues Kim suffered after a major heart attack in June of 2022, leading to several health issues that led to her to step down as president and CEO of Pegula Sports Entertainment and leading to its dissolution.

There are plenty of vocal critics of the Pegulas tenure as owners, including unhappiness with their loyalty to head coach Sean McDermott and frustration at several lackluster seasons for the Buffalo Sabres. 

Other fans openly express their gratitude for the powerful duo, and relief that they seem adamant on keeping both the Bills and Sabres here in Western New York. 

Buffalo Bills Pay Tribute To The Pegulas

The Buffalo Bills paid an emotional tribute to both Kim and Terry with a moving video posted to social media. 

We’ll have to see what the next ten years bring to the Buffalo Bills franchise, but no matter how you feel about the Pegulas, you have to admit that the team has taken a wild turn over the past decade. 

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