One Roof Sports and Entertainment, the parent organization of the Seattle Kraken and Climate Pledge Arena, announced that philanthropist and businesswoman Melinda French Gates will join the organization as its newest minority investor, pending NHL approval.
The investment comes as the Seattle Kraken’s parent company continues to expand its presence in the region, including the team’s acquisition of a controlling interest in Climate Pledge Arena. One Roof’s majority owner and managing partner, Samantha Holloway, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to Seattle and its future.
French Gates joins an ownership group that includes David Wright, Andy Jassy, and Jerry Bruckheimer. Holloway and the ownership group were instrumental in bringing the NHL’s 32nd franchise to Seattle and, alongside Oak View Group, renovating Climate Pledge Arena into a major sports, entertainment, and community venue.
The organization oversees a growing portfolio of sports and entertainment assets, including the Seattle Kraken, Climate Pledge Arena, One Roof Foundation, Kraken Community Iceplex, the New Memorial Stadium project, and interests in the AHL’s Coachella Valley Firebirds and Acrisure Arena.
One Roof has also focused heavily on community engagement initiatives through its foundation, including efforts to expand access to sports and recreation opportunities across the Pacific Northwest. Earlier this year, Holloway announced plans to pursue an NBA franchise for Seattle if the league proceeds with expansion.
French Gates is widely recognized for her philanthropic and business leadership. She currently leads Pivotal, an organization focused on advancing opportunities for women and young people in the United States and globally. Prior to founding Pivotal, she co-founded and co-chaired the Gates Foundation and spent the first decade of her professional career at Microsoft developing multimedia products.
KEY QUOTES:
“I am excited to welcome Melinda to our ownership group. Melinda is an impressive business leader, philanthropist and importantly, a Seattle sports fan. We share many of the same values, including a deep commitment to Seattle and a belief in building organizations that create lasting impact.”
Samantha Holloway, Majority Owner And Managing Partner, One Roof Sports And Entertainment
“As a longtime Seattle resident, it means a lot to me to have the chance to make this investment in our city and its future. I’m a big believer in the power of sports, and after many years of cheering on Seattle from the sidelines, I’m excited to have an even deeper connection to the Seattle sports community. Seattle is an engine of innovation in so many ways, and Samantha Holloway’s leadership of the Kraken and Climate Pledge Arena reflects that.”
Melinda French Gates, Philanthropist, Businesswoman, And Minority Investor In One Roof Sports And Entertainment
