Trending Now - Melinda French Gates Invests in Seattle Kraken, Spurs NBA Growth

WHO:

ABC News - Melinda French Gates, 61, is the ex-wife of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.

ABC News - Other investors in the Kraken ownership group include David Wright, Andy Jassy, and Jerry Bruckheimer.

GeekWire - Melinda French Gates, a philanthropist and business leader, is joining the Seattle Kraken ownership group.

KOMO - Samantha Holloway, majority owner of the Kraken and one of the few women serving as a principal owner in the NHL, is involved in the ownership group.

WHAT:

GeekWire - French Gates stated, "As I would travel the world... if I stop and ask almost any adult who's been influential in your life, one of the top three answers is their coach."

GeekWire - French Gates emphasized the impact of sports on young people's lives, saying, "It just speaks volumes, and it speaks volumes for bringing people into the city and having an entertaining experience."

KOMO - Melinda French Gates is joining One Roof Sports and Entertainment, which owns a controlling stake in Climate Pledge Arena, the Kraken Community Iceplex, the new Memorial Stadium at Seattle Center, the American Hockey League's Coachella Valley Firebirds, and Acrisure Arena.

KOMO - The news of French Gates' investment was first reported by ESPN.

GeekWire - French Gates stated, "Seattle is an engine of innovation in so many ways, and Samantha Holloway’s leadership of the Kraken and Climate Pledge Arena reflects that."

GeekWire - French Gates mentioned, "It's just time... a generation of women coming into their full power."

GeekWire - French Gates invested millions, along with Mackenzie Scott, to help renovate Centennial and Myrtle Edwards Park.

KOMO - French Gates' investment is pending approval from the NHL.

ABC News - French Gates has a net worth of $30 billion, according to Forbes.

GeekWire - Melinda French Gates is taking a minority stake in the Seattle Kraken hockey team.

KOMO - The investment is pending approval from the NHL.

KOMO - French Gates' investment marks her first ownership stake in a major professional sports franchise.

KOMO - French Gates is also joining One Roof Sports and Entertainment, which owns a controlling stake in Climate Pledge Arena and other sports facilities.

WHERE:

KOMO - The Seattle Kraken is based in Seattle, Washington.

KOMO - One Roof Sports and Entertainment owns the Climate Pledge Arena and Kraken Community Iceplex in Northgate.

WHEN:

KOMO - The announcement of French Gates' investment comes as Holloway continues efforts to bring the NBA back to Seattle.

WHY:

ABC News - French Gates stated, “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.”

GeekWire - French Gates expressed her belief in the power of sports and her desire to have a deeper connection to the Seattle sports community.

KOMO - French Gates stated that her investment reflects a broader shift toward women taking on leadership roles across sports and business.

HOW:

ABC News - The Kraken ownership group announced the creation of One Roof Sports and Entertainment to oversee a growing portfolio of properties and fuel new opportunities, including pursuing an NBA team in Seattle.

ABC News - The Kraken ownership group announced the creation of One Roof Sports and Entertainment to oversee a growing portfolio of properties and fuel new opportunities.

ABC News - The Kraken ownership group is positioning itself to own an NBA franchise should the NBA return to Seattle.

KOMO - French Gates' investment is part of a strategy to strengthen the Kraken's position in the sports community and potentially support NBA expansion efforts in Seattle.

(UPDATED June 2, 2026 16:23 UTC)

Melinda French Gates highlighted the profound influence coaches have on individuals, noting that many adults cite their coach as one of the top three most influential figures in their lives. She also stressed the significant role sports play in shaping young people's experiences and enhancing community engagement. In related news, the Kraken ownership group has launched One Roof Sports and Entertainment to manage a diverse range of properties and explore the possibility of bringing an NBA team to Seattle.

(UPDATED June 2, 2026 06:29 UTC)

Melinda French Gates is joining One Roof Sports and Entertainment, which controls several key venues in Seattle, including Climate Pledge Arena and the Kraken Community Iceplex. The announcement, first reported by ESPN, highlights French Gates' belief that Seattle is a hub of innovation, particularly under the leadership of Samantha Holloway. She also emphasized the importance of empowering women, stating, "It's just time... a generation of women coming into their full power," while also investing millions alongside Mackenzie Scott to enhance local parks.

(UPDATED June 2, 2026 01:42 UTC)

Melinda French Gates, the ex-wife of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, is seeking to invest in the Seattle Kraken, pending approval from the NHL. With a net worth of $30 billion, French Gates expressed her excitement about the opportunity, stating, “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.” The Kraken ownership group is also preparing to own an NBA franchise if the league decides to return to Seattle.

(UPDATED June 1, 2026 23:28 UTC)

Melinda French Gates is joining the ownership group of the Seattle Kraken, taking a minority stake in the team, which is pending approval from the NHL. This investment marks her first ownership in a major professional sports franchise and aligns with her desire to connect more deeply with the Seattle sports community, as well as support efforts to bring the NBA back to the city. French Gates is also joining One Roof Sports and Entertainment, which owns the Climate Pledge Arena and is committed to enhancing the role of women in leadership positions across sports and business.