Jessica Pegula Reveals NHL General Manager Ambitions

Jessica Pegula, the World No. 3 tennis player, has revealed her surprising childhood ambition to become the first female general manager of a hockey team.

What happened?

In a recent interview with former pro Andrea Petkovic, Pegula discussed her life off the court and her exploration of different business ventures to see what might stick after her playing career ends. She candidly shared her lifelong passion for sports management, specifically aspiring to become the first female general manager of a hockey team.

Why it matters for Jessica Pegula

Pegula's parents eventually purchased the NHL's Buffalo Sabres in 2011, alongside the NFL's Buffalo Bills a few years later. This unexpected twist of fate has given Pegula a unique opportunity to pursue her dream. While she laughed off the idea that she is actively trying to take over the Sabres' front office right now, she admitted that sports executive roles are still on her bucket list.

What comes next?

Pegula consistently follows the Sabres from across the globe, frequently celebrating their victories on social media. In April 2026, during the European clay-court swing, she tweeted about experiencing major "FOMO" (fear of missing out) during the Sabres' thrilling Game 1 playoff win over the Boston Bruins. Her deep run at Wimbledon this year returned her to her career-high world ranking of No. 3. Pegula will look to carry that momentum at the National Bank Open in Toronto, a WTA 1000 event where she has won back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024.

A tennis career still in full swing

When Petkovic asked what the next five years look like for her tennis career, the 32-year-old made it clear she still has big milestones left to achieve on the tour. "We'll see," Pegula said with a smile. "I would love to play the LA Olympics." With her sights set on the future, Pegula is taking her tennis career one match at a time, all while keeping her NHL aspirations in the back of her mind.

A lifelong passion for sports management

Pegula's love for sports management is not just a passing interest, but a lifelong passion that has been with her since she was young. "I love sports," Pegula said. "Even when I was younger, before we had the sports teams, I always wanted to be the first female GM of a hockey team." This determination and drive will undoubtedly serve her well in her future endeavors, both on and off the tennis court.

A unique opportunity

Pegula's parents' ownership of the Buffalo Sabres has given her a unique opportunity to pursue her dream of becoming a sports executive. While she may not be actively trying to take over the Sabres' front office right now, she is keeping her options open and exploring different business ventures to see what might stick after her playing career ends.

A future in sports management

While Pegula's future in tennis is still uncertain, her passion for sports management is clear. With her sights set on the LA Olympics and her NHL aspirations in the back of her mind, Pegula is taking her career one match at a time, all while keeping her options open for a future in sports management.