Breaking News: Beloved Seattle Kraken Owner And UW Alum Passes Away

Seattle, WA - Sad news from Seattle today as the hockey community mourns the loss of Kraken owner David Bonderman, who passed away at the age of 82, surrounded by family in his home.

NHL commissioner, Gary Bettman, released a statement on behalf of the NHL: “David Bonderman lived a life that was astounding in its breadth of achievement, unflinching in its commitment to excellence and relentless in its passion for improving lives – particularly in his adopted home state of Washington. An accomplished litigator and businessman, Bonderman was determined that his personal success positively impact others through conservation, philanthropy, sports, and music."

“A proud alumnus of the University of Washington, in 2018 he brought NHL hockey to the Pacific Northwest, gaining approval from the Board of Governors to establish an expansion franchise in Seattle that would be named the Kraken and begin play in 2021. Adding David to the Board and the Seattle franchise to the NHL made our League and our game stronger, setting new standards in environmental responsibility and diversity and inclusion."

“The National Hockey League celebrates David Bonderman’s remarkable life and mourns his passing. We send our deepest condolences to his five children, three grandchildren and the entire Seattle Kraken organization.”

In 2018, David Bonderman returned to Seattle, where he graduated from the University of Washington, to bring the NHL's 32nd franchise, the Seattle Kraken, to life. He co-led the creation of Climate Pledge Arena, envisioning it as the world’s most sustainable venue, built beneath the iconic Key Arena roof. A little-known fact: David originally proposed the red "eye" in the Kraken logo, now a signature design element. His vision and dream came to fruition with the Kraken’s debut in 2021, and the team is now in its fourth season.

Bonderman lived a life of activism, philanthropy, and advocacy. He served on the boards of The Wilderness Society, World Wildlife Fund, American Himalayan Foundation, and the Grand Canyon Trust. From his early days as a Space Needle security guard to his lifelong commitment to environmental conservation, education, and healthcare, his impact was far-reaching.

If you've attended a public skate or open Kraken practice at Kraken Community Iceplex, you can thank Bonderman. He also played a key role in developing the One Roof Foundation, which focuses on access to play, youth homelessness, and environmental justice.

As the Kraken marks six years since being awarded their franchise on Dec. 4, 2018, Bonderman’s legacy lives on through his daughter, Samantha Holloway, the Kraken's co-owner and chair of the Executive Committee.

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