Updated: August 31, 2026
Jessica Pegula has climbed into the upper ranks of women’s tennis through grit, consistency, and a sharp competitive edge. Behind that success stands a remarkable family story. Her parents, Terry and Kim Pegula, built a business empire from hard work and then stepped into major sports ownership. Their journey offers a clear look at how opportunity, resilience, and family support can shape an athlete’s path.
Table of Contents
Who Are Jessica Pegula Parents?
Jessica was born in Buffalo, New York, to Terrence “Terry” Pegula and Kim Pegula. Terry, born March 27, 1951, in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, grew up in a working-class household tied to coal mining and trucking. He earned a petroleum and natural gas engineering degree from Penn State University in 1973. Kim was born June 7, 1969, in Seoul, South Korea. Abandoned as a young child, she spent time in an orphanage before being adopted at age five by Ralph and Marilyn Kerr. She grew up in Fairport, New York, and later became a U.S. citizen.
The couple met in 1991 when Kim was applying for a waitressing job. Terry offered her a role at his company instead. They married in 1993 and have three children together: Jessica, Kelly, and Matthew. Terry also has two children, Michael and Laura, from a previous marriage. Jessica has spoken openly about her mixed heritage and has grown more connected to her mother’s Korean roots in recent years.
How Terry Pegula Built His Fortune
Terry started East Resources in 1983 with a modest $7,500 loan from friends and family. The natural gas company grew steadily. In 2010 he sold most of its assets to Royal Dutch Shell for $4.7 billion. That windfall allowed the family to pursue long-held sports dreams.
- In 2011 they purchased the Buffalo Sabres of the NHL.
- In 2014 they acquired the Buffalo Bills of the NFL for about $1.4 billion, outbidding other high-profile groups.
- The family has also held interests in lacrosse teams and other local sports and entertainment ventures.
Terry’s net worth has been estimated in the multi-billion range in recent years, placing the Pegulas among the wealthiest families in American sports. They have also made significant educational gifts, including major support for Penn State’s Pegula Ice Arena.
Kim Pegula’s Path and Leadership Role
Kim rose from a difficult early childhood to become one of the most visible women in professional sports. She served as president of both the Bills and the Sabres, making her the first woman to hold that dual role for NFL and NHL franchises. She played a key part in operations and community efforts around Buffalo.
In June 2022 Kim suffered cardiac arrest. Her daughter Kelly performed CPR that helped save her life. The episode left Kim with lasting challenges, including expressive aphasia and memory issues. The family has remained private about the details while continuing to support her recovery. Jessica has publicly dedicated important wins to her mother and spoken about the emotional weight of that period.
Family Support and Jessica’s Tennis Journey
Jessica started playing tennis at age seven. The family moved several times to support her training while keeping a grounded approach. She has pushed back against assumptions that wealth made her path easy, noting that her father’s major success came after she was already a teenager. The Pegulas have consistently described Jessica as their “first sports team.”
Here is a quick overview of key family details: Detail Information Father Terry Pegula (born 1951, Pennsylvania) Mother Kim Pegula (born 1969, Seoul, South Korea) Marriage 1993 Shared children Jessica, Kelly, Matthew Major teams owned Buffalo Bills (NFL), Buffalo Sabres (NHL) Terry’s key business East Resources (sold 2010) Kim’s notable role First woman president of both NFL & NHL teams
Conclusion
Jessica Pegula parents illustrate a modern American success story rooted in determination rather than inheritance. Terry’s engineering background and business focus combined with Kim’s personal resilience and leadership created a supportive environment for their children. For tennis fans, understanding this background adds context to Jessica’s steady rise and the quiet strength she brings to the court. The Pegulas remain closely tied to Buffalo sports while continuing to cheer on their daughter as she competes at the highest level.