How Did The Pegulas Make Their Money

Ever wondered how Terry and Kim Pegula, the power couple behind the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres, made their fortune? Buckle up, 'cause it's a wild ride from the oil fields to the stadium lights!

From Oil Rig to End Zone

Let's rewind to the '80s. Terry Pegula, a Pennsylvania native, was just a kid working on oil rigs. Talk about a rough start! But this wasn't your average 9-to-5. Terry was learning the ropes of the energy industry, and boy, did he learn well.

Fast forward to 1983, Terry co-founded East Resources, an oil and gas exploration company. They started small, drilling wells in Pennsylvania. But Terry had big dreams, and he wasn't afraid to roll up his sleeves and make them happen.

Drilling for Dollars

East Resources grew, and grew, and grew some more. By the time they sold it in 2010, they were one of the largest privately-held natural gas producers in the U.S. Terry cashed out with a cool $4.7 billion. Not bad for a kid who started on an oil rig!

But here's where it gets interesting. Terry and Kim, his wife since 1993, didn't just sit back and enjoy their newfound wealth. Oh no, they had bigger plans. They wanted to bring some of that Buffalo love they'd grown up with to the next level.

NFL: Pegulas to buy Bills for $1.4 billion

Sports, Buffalo Style

In 2010, the Pegulas bought the Buffalo Sabres. Talk about a homecoming! Terry grew up watching the Sabres, and now he owned the team. But they didn't stop there. In 2014, they bought the Buffalo Bills. Talk about a power couple!

But why stop at two teams? The Pegulas also own the Buffalo Bandits (lacrosse, in case you were wondering), and they've got their fingers in all sorts of other pies, from real estate to philanthropy. They're like the ultimate Buffalo power couple, and they're not slowing down anytime soon.

Look What The Pegulas Bought Now

Giving Back, Buffalo Style

But it's not all about the money for the Pegulas. They've given back to their community in a big way. They've donated millions to local charities, universities, and even a children's hospital. And let's not forget the Pegula Ice Arena at Penn State, Terry's alma mater. Talk about paying it forward!

So there you have it, folks. From oil rigs to end zones, the Pegulas have made their fortune the good old-fashioned way: they earned it. And they're not done yet. With their fingers in so many pies, who knows what they'll do next? One thing's for sure: Buffalo's in good hands with this dynamic duo.