While Jessica Pegula has earned her place among tennis’s elite with grit, talent, and relentless determination, she’s equally known for her ties to one of America’s wealthiest sports dynasties. Ranked among the world’s top tennis players and celebrated for her powerful game, Pegula is the daughter of Terry and Kim Pegula, billionaire owners of major U.S. sports franchises. But her story is more than just headlines about wealth—it’s one of a grounded athlete carving her own path in the fiercely competitive world of tennis.
Jessica’s father, Terry Pegula, built his fortune in the oil and gas industry, founding East Resources in 1983. After selling much of the business to Royal Dutch Shell for an estimated $4.7 billion, he and his wife Kim turned their focus to sports. In 2011, they purchased the Buffalo Sabres NHL team, and three years later, they made headlines by acquiring the Buffalo Bills NFL franchise for $1.4 billion in cash. The Pegulas’ business empire, Pegula Sports and Entertainment, has since become a cornerstone of professional sports and entertainment in Buffalo, New York.
Kim Pegula, born in Seoul, South Korea, and adopted by American parents at age five, has made her own mark as the president of both the Bills and Sabres. Known for her innovative leadership and commitment to fan engagement, Kim has become a prominent figure in American sports management. Despite experiencing a serious health scare in 2022, when she suffered a cardiac arrest, Kim remains a key part of the Pegula family’s sports and business ventures.
Jessica isn’t an only child in this powerhouse family. She has several siblings, including older half-siblings Michael and Laura from Terry’s first marriage. Closer in age to Jessica are Kelly Pegula, a fashion designer and singer, and Matthew Pegula, who maintains a lower public profile. While her family’s fortune is undeniable, Jessica has consistently emphasized that her tennis journey has been driven by her own work ethic, not simply by financial privilege.
Beyond her tennis career, Jessica has her own business ventures. She launched Ready 24, a skincare brand tailored to the demanding lifestyle of professional athletes and frequent travelers. Her philanthropic side shines through her charity, A Lending Paw, which helps rescue and train service animals to support people in need.
In 2021, Jessica married Taylor Gahagen, a business executive who previously worked for Pegula Sports and Entertainment in marketing and corporate development roles. Taylor now helps manage Jessica’s off-court endeavors, including Ready 24 and her charitable work. The couple tied the knot at the picturesque Biltmore Estate in North Carolina, surrounded by close family and friends.
Despite the lavish headlines about her billionaire background, Jessica Pegula insists on staying grounded. She has even spoken publicly about misconceptions surrounding her lifestyle, clarifying that she doesn’t fly private everywhere or live with a team of personal staff. Her focus, she says, is purely on her tennis and using her platform for good.
With her powerful game, business acumen, and philanthropic spirit, Jessica Pegula stands out as more than just an heiress—she’s a force in her own right, determined to leave her unique mark both on and off the court.