David Bonderman, a prominent businessman and philanthropist who played a key role in the founding of the Seattle Kraken hockey team, passed away at the age of 82. Bonderman was a co-founder and managing partner of TPG Capital, a global private equity firm, and his business acumen and leadership were instrumental in bringing the Kraken to Seattle.
Bonderman had a long and distinguished career in the business world, but he also had a deep passion for sports. He was a major investor in the Boston Celtics basketball team and served as its chairman from 2002 to 2004. In 2018, he joined a group of investors, including members of the Seattle Seahawks and former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, to pursue an expansion franchise in the National Hockey League (NHL). Their bid was successful, and the Seattle Kraken was born.
As a founding owner and a member of the Kraken’s board of directors, Bonderman played a significant role in shaping the team’s identity and long-term strategy. He was a firm believer in the potential of hockey in Seattle and was instrumental in creating a strong ownership group that would provide the financial and operational support the team needed to succeed.
Bonderman’s contributions to the Seattle Kraken cannot be overstated. His business experience and financial resources were essential to the team’s establishment, and his passion for hockey helped to create a strong foundation for its future success. The Kraken have quickly become one of the most successful expansion teams in NHL history, and Bonderman’s leadership played a major role in that success.
Beyond his financial and operational contributions, Bonderman was also a respected member of the Seattle community. He was known for his philanthropy, supporting various educational and cultural institutions, and his death is a great loss to the city.
David Bonderman was a visionary leader who left an indelible mark on both the business world and the sport of hockey. His passion for success and his commitment to giving back to his community were an inspiration to all who knew him. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
The Seattle Kraken will undoubtedly honor Bonderman’s memory in a special way, and fans of the team will always remember the important role he played in bringing hockey to Seattle. His contributions to the team and the city will never be forgotten.
