Seattle Sports Powerhouse One Roof Adds Melinda French Gates as Investor

One Roof Sports and Entertainment, the parent company of the Seattle Kraken and Climate Pledge Arena, has added philanthropist and businesswoman Melinda French Gates as its newest minority investor, further strengthening the organization’s ties to the Seattle community.

The investment, which is pending NHL approval, comes during a significant period of growth for One Roof. Earlier this year, the company announced plans to pursue an NBA franchise should the league move forward with expansion, and recently acquired a controlling interest in Climate Pledge Arena, one of the busiest sports and entertainment venues in North America.

One Roof majority owner and managing partner Samantha Holloway welcomed French Gates to the ownership group, citing their shared commitment to Seattle and community impact.

“I am excited to welcome Melinda to our ownership group,” Holloway said. “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.”

French Gates, a longtime Seattle resident, said the investment reflects her belief in both the city and the power of sports to bring communities together.

“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,” French Gates said. “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.”

Since bringing the NHL’s 32nd franchise to Seattle, Holloway and the ownership group—which includes investors David Wright, Andy Jassy, and Jerry Bruckheimer—have helped establish One Roof as a growing force in sports, entertainment, and community development. In partnership with Oak View Group, the organization oversaw the transformation of Climate Pledge Arena into a premier destination for professional sports, concerts, and live entertainment.

The venue serves as home to the Seattle Kraken, WNBA’s Seattle Storm, PWHL Seattle Torrent, and a steady calendar of major touring events.

Beyond sports and entertainment, One Roof has become known for its community-focused initiatives through the One Roof Foundation. The organization has championed projects designed to increase access to youth sports and recreation, including its involvement in the redevelopment of Seattle’s Memorial Stadium through a public-private partnership with Seattle Public Schools and the City of Seattle.

One Roof Sports and Entertainment also oversees Kraken Community Iceplex, the AHL’s Coachella Valley Firebirds and Acrisure Arena, further expanding its reach across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

The addition of French Gates marks another high-profile investment in the organization as it continues to grow its influence in professional sports, entertainment, and civic development throughout the Seattle region.