One Roof Sports and Entertainment Welcomes Melinda French Gates as Investor

Exciting Developments in Seattle Sports

One Roof Sports and Entertainment, the parent organization of both the Seattle Kraken NHL team and the historic Climate Pledge Arena, has made headlines with a significant new investment initiative. On June 1, 2026, the group proudly announced the addition of Melinda French Gates, a well-known philanthropist and business leader, as its latest minority investor, contingent upon approval from the NHL.

Samantha Holloway, the majority owner and managing partner of One Roof, expressed her enthusiasm regarding Gates' involvement, stating, "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."

Melinda French Gates, deeply rooted in the Seattle community, shared her thoughts on this new venture: "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."

Under Holloway’s leadership, One Roof Sports and Entertainment has established itself as a pioneer in how sports organizations can inspire, unify, and strengthen local communities. The ownership group includes notable investors such as David Wright, Andy Jassy, and Jerry Bruckheimer. Notably, One Roof played an instrumental role in establishing the NHL’s 32nd franchise in Seattle, alongside a massive renovation of the Climate Pledge Arena in a partnership with the Oak View Group.

The Climate Pledge Arena serves not only as a home for the Seattle Kraken but also as a venue for the WNBA's Seattle Storm, the PWHL's Seattle Torrent, and a variety of world-class music and entertainment events. This multifunctional civic asset is a testament to One Roof’s commitment to community development.

One Roof also prioritizes initiatives that enhance access to sports through their philanthropic efforts. The recently developed Memorial Stadium stands as a landmark public-private partnership forged with Seattle Public Schools and the City of Seattle, showcasing their dedication to youth and community access.

Earlier this year, Holloway indicated ambitious plans for the future: "One Roof will pursue an NBA team in Seattle, should the league move forward with expansion plans," she revealed. This commitment to expansion highlights One Roof's broader vision for engaging the community through sports.

About One Roof Sports and Entertainment

Founded in 2026, One Roof Sports and Entertainment operates as the overarching brand for several organizations, including the Seattle Kraken, Climate Pledge Arena, the Kraken Community Iceplex, and others. At its core, the organization is driven by a belief that the power of sports and entertainment can bring people together to foster championships, create unforgettable experiences, and drive meaningful impacts in the Pacific Northwest region.

About Melinda French Gates

Melinda French Gates has garnered acclaim as a philanthropist, enterprise founder, and global advocate for women and girls. For over 25 years, she has championed initiatives aimed at fostering a healthier and more equitable future for all. Currently, she leads Pivotal, a collection of organizations focused on quickening social progress for youth and women in both the U.S. and globally. Previously, she co-chaired the Gates Foundation, influencing global philanthropic priorities for over two decades.

Gates holds a bachelor's degree in computer science and economics and an M.B.A. from Duke University. Before her philanthropic journey, she spent a decade at Microsoft spearheading multimedia products and has become a celebrated author, penning bestselling works like The Next Day and The Moment of Lift.

Melinda resides in Seattle, Washington, with her three children, Jenn, Rory, and Phoebe, embodying her strong connection to their shared community. "Seattle is my home, and I'm dedicated to making a meaningful impact here," she stated, encapsulating her ongoing commitment to local growth through sports, community engagement, and innovative partnerships.