Jessica Pegula, the rising tennis star, comes from a family with a rich sporting lineage that includes her siblings, Michael, Laura, Kelly, and Matthew. Jessica’s father, billionaire Terry Pegula, had two children, Michael and Laura, from a previous marriage before marrying Kim Pegula in 1993. Following their union, Jessica was born, along with her siblings Kelly and Matthew. The Pegula family’s success story started with Terry’s ventures in natural gas and petroleum, which later expanded into sports ownership alongside Kim. Together, they own the NFL’s Buffalo Bills and the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres.
Jessica Pegula’s tennis achievements have garnered attention as she established herself as one of the top American players in the sport. In 2024, she reached her first Grand Slam final at the US Open, thanking her family for their unwavering support throughout her career. With her brother, sister, father, brother-in-law, and an array of friends cheering her on, Jessica expressed her gratitude for their presence during her matches.
Michael, the eldest of the Pegula siblings from Terry’s previous marriage, has preferred to maintain a low profile. Having joined the family when Terry married Kim, Michael and his sister Laura faced the challenges of blending families during their teenage years. Kim acknowledged the complexities of this period, emphasizing the importance of spending time together and allowing for healing over time.
Laura, Jessica’s elder sister, also ventured into tennis before her younger sibling. Graduating from North Allegheny High School in Pennsylvania, Laura excelled as a tennis player and later played at the University of Pittsburgh, where she made significant contributions to the team. Jessica credits Laura for introducing her to the sport, following in her sister’s footsteps as she pursued her own tennis career.
In a remarkable show of courage and quick thinking, Kelly, Jessica’s younger sister, saved their mother’s life when Kim suffered a sudden cardiac arrest in June 2022. Kelly, who had recently completed her CPR certification, performed life-saving measures until paramedics arrived, earning praise from Jessica for her actions during this critical moment. This event underscored the importance of being prepared for emergencies and the impact of timely intervention.
Matthew, the youngest of the Pegula siblings, maintains a more private lifestyle compared to his siblings. While he has attended Jessica’s tennis tournaments to show his support, not much information is publicly available about him. The Pegula family has navigated challenges and successes together, with each member carving out their own paths and contributing to the family’s collective journey.
Laura’s involvement in the Buffalo Bills management team highlights the family’s commitment to long-term planning and succession. Following Kim’s health crisis, Terry took steps to comply with the NFL’s succession planning policy by transferring a portion of the team’s ownership to Laura, signifying her emerging role within the organization. This strategic move ensures continuity and stability in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
Moreover, Jessica and Kelly ventured into the business world together by launching The Healthy Scratch, a health food enterprise, in 2016. Offering a range of nutritious options, the business experienced growth and expansion before closing its final locations in 2022. This entrepreneurial endeavour showcased the sisters’ dedication to promoting health and wellness within their community.
In conclusion, the Pegula siblings’ diverse pursuits and shared experiences exemplify the strength of family bonds and resilience in the face of challenges. As Jessica Pegula continues to make her mark in the world of tennis, her siblings stand as pillars of support, each contributing in their unique ways to the family’s legacy of success and unity.