# Jessica Pegula's Tennis Stardom and Her Billionaire Father's Sports Empire How a $7,500 loan built a $9.3B fortune now fueling sports and tennis ambitions. - **Source:** [Fortune | FORTUNE](https://brifing.si/source/769282ef-327a-4454-909a-3c7936216004) - **Published:** 2026-09-05 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/cc9adc52-aa95-40fe-855e-5ed87fc6e5cc ## Jessica Pegula's Career High Ranked No. 3 globally, Jessica Pegula eyes her first Grand Slam title at the 2026 U.S. Open. A victory could make her the first American woman to top WTA rankings since Serena Williams. With $26M+ in career earnings and endorsements from IBM and Hyatt, Pegula balances athletic excellence with business savvy. Her late-career surge defies tennis norms, as top rivals Sabalenka and Rybakina are younger with multiple majors. ## The Pegula Family Fortune Terry Pegula transformed a $7,500 loan into a $9.3B net worth through East Resources, sold to Shell for $4.7B in 2010. His sports investments include the Buffalo Bills ($1.4B purchase in 2014) and Buffalo Sabres ($189M in 2011). Despite outbidding Trump and Bon Jovi, the family maintains low-key values. Daughter Jessica emphasizes their blue-collar roots, noting wealth only arrived during her late teens. ## From Oil Fields to Arenas Terry Pegula's journey began in Pennsylvania coal country, studying petroleum engineering at Penn State. After working for Getty Oil, he launched East Resources in 1983, pioneering Appalachian Basin extraction. The 2010 Shell deal marked his pivot to sports, reinvesting proceeds into teams. This transition mirrors how energy wealth increasingly fuels U.S. sports ownership, creating new athlete-patron dynamics. ## Wealth vs. Work Ethic Jessica Pegula actively distances herself from 'trust fund athlete' stereotypes, crediting her father's work ethic. 'He grew up with nothing,' she told The Times, highlighting 70-hour work weeks during her childhood. This ethos shaped her gradual rise—from 2011 U.S. Open wildcard to top-3 ranking at 32. Her story challenges assumptions about privileged athletes' competitive drive. ## Sports Ownership Trends The Pegulas exemplify how energy sector wealth dominates pro sports. Over 20% of NFL/NHL owners made fortunes in oil/gas, including the Broncos' Walton family. Such owners often prioritize franchise stability over profits—Terry kept the Bills in Buffalo despite lucrative relocation offers. This impacts player development, with some franchises like the Sabres investing heavily in facilities. ## Tennis' Wealth Paradox While Pegula and Emma Navarro ($3.2B banker father) represent tennis' wealthy newcomers, the Williams sisters prove middle-class roots can succeed. Serena's $400M net worth was built through wins and endorsements, not family money. The sport's rising costs—$50k+/year for elite junior training—create barriers, yet talent still emerges from diverse economic backgrounds. ## The $1.4B NFL Gamble Terry Pegula's 2014 Bills purchase included $1.1B in public stadium subsidies, sparking debates about billionaire welfare. The deal guaranteed the team stays in Buffalo through 2033, preserving 3,000+ jobs. Financially, NFL teams appreciate 10-12% annually—the Bills could now be worth $3B+. This safety net indirectly supports Jessica's tennis career, insulating her from financial pressures. ## Legacy Beyond Net Worth The Pegula story transcends dollars, blending Rust Belt grit with gilded opportunity. Terry's 'work hard, love what you do' mantra manifests in Jessica's 5am training sessions. As she faces Romania's Cirstea at the U.S. Open, her quest mirrors her father's—proving that while wealth opens doors, sustained success demands relentless effort. Their dual narrative redefines modern sports dynasty. ## Sources covering this story - https://fortune.com/2026/09/05/tennis-star-jessica-pegula-chasing-history-us-open-billionaire-family-oil-tycoon-terry-pegula-buffalo-bills-owner-hard-work-success/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._