By Olympia Now Staff | June 1, 2026
SEATTLE - Melinda French Gates, one of the world's most prominent philanthropists, is set to become a minority investor in the Seattle Kraken, the National Hockey League franchise announced Monday. The deal is pending approval from the NHL.
French Gates, 61, brings an estimated net worth of $30 billion to an ownership group already headlined by Kraken majority owner and managing partner Samantha Holloway, one of the few women serving as a principal owner in the NHL. She joins a roster of investors that includes Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, longtime Hollywood producer Jerry Bruckheimer, and David Wright.
By acquiring a stake in One Roof Sports and Entertainment, the umbrella organization that oversees the Kraken, French Gates gains a connection not only to the NHL team but also to Climate Pledge Arena, the Kraken Community Iceplex in Northgate, the new Memorial Stadium at Seattle Center, the American Hockey League's Coachella Valley Firebirds, and the One Roof Foundation.
French Gates, the ex-wife of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, cited her deep Seattle roots as a key motivation. "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," she said in a statement released by the team. "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."
Holloway welcomed the addition. "Melinda is an impressive business leader, philanthropist and importantly, a Seattle sports fan," she said. "We share many of the same values, including a deep commitment to Seattle and a belief in building organizations that create lasting impact."
The announcement arrives at a pivotal moment for One Roof. The NBA Board of Governors voted in March to explore adding expansion franchises specifically in Seattle and Las Vegas, with One Roof positioned as the leading candidate to bring professional basketball back to the city. French Gates told ESPN she was drawn to Holloway's long-range vision for what the Kraken, and the broader One Roof portfolio, could become.
Financial terms were not disclosed. The Kraken have reached the playoffs once in five seasons since debuting in 2021, and the franchise hired consulting firm Sportsology Group last month to conduct an external audit of its hockey operations department.
"I see this incredible opportunity that sports plays for a community to bring people together," French Gates said.
