Seattle Kraken co-founder David Bonderman passes away at 82

The owner of the newest franchise in the National Hockey League has died.

On Wednesday, Seattle Kraken majority owner David Bonderman passed away at the age of 82.

“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,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. “Particularly in his adopted home state of Washington. An accomplished litigator and businessman, Bonderman was determined that his personal success positively impacted others through conservation, philanthropy, sports, and music.

“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.”

Bonderman owned the league’s 32nd franchise in the city he called home for many years. A graduate of the University of Washington, the Los Angeles native was the co-founder of global alternative asset management firm TPG, the group that spearheaded the movement to bring a hockey team back to Seattle. The city was officially granted an NHL franchise on Dec. 4, 2018.

Bonderman also co-led the effort in the reconstruction of Key Arena, which became the state-of-the-art facility known as Climate Pledge Arena.

Bonderman was very influential in the design of the team’s logo and used his business-savvy background to help make the franchise an instant hit. Throughout the first three seasons, the Kraken has been one of the top teams in merchandise sales in the NHL. On the ice, the team found success in its second season, advancing as far as the second round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The team was also awarded the chance to host the 2024 Winter Classic, beating the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Park last January.

Bonderman’s influence stretched far beyond the game of hockey. He was a member of the Harvard Law Review prior to becoming Special Assistant to the U.S. Attorney General in the Civil Rights Division for two years during the Lyndon B. Johnson administration.

Bonderman’s family will continue to be involved with the Kraken. His daughter, Samantha Holloway, became co-owner and chair of the executive committee of the team in March 2022.

“We are all grateful for having experienced his wisdom, wit, generosity, and love,” Bonderman’s children said in a joint statement. “His zest for life, and his passions, especially sports and music, were infectious. He was always there for his friends and family, and we will miss him greatly.”