Jeremy M. Jacobs, Sr.

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Business
Owner Boston Bruins
Chairman of Delaware North

About Jeremy M. Jacobs, Sr.

Jeremy M. Jacobs Sr.: Buffalo’s Business and Sports Icon

Born on January 21, 1940, in Buffalo, New York, Jeremy M. Jacobs Sr. has become one of the most influential figures in both the business and sports worlds. From steering the Jacobs family business to owning one of the NHL’s storied franchises, he epitomizes leadership and philanthropy. Despite his global reach, Jacobs has always maintained a strong connection to his hometown of Buffalo, profoundly shaping its communities through his contributions.

Early Life and Foundations

Jacobs grew up in Buffalo, where the values of hard work and perseverance were ingrained in him early. His father, Louis Jacobs, co-founded Delaware North in 1915 with his brothers, starting with a simple concessions business in theaters. Over time, the company expanded to major league ballparks and beyond. When Louis passed away in 1968, Jeremy, at just 28 years old, took over the business.

Jacobs attended the University at Buffalo School of Management, earning his Bachelor of Science degree, and later completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School—education that would prepare him for the immense responsibility of leading a burgeoning company.

Building a Business Empire

Under Jeremy Jacobs’ leadership, Delaware North blossomed into a global powerhouse. The company, headquartered in Buffalo, operates in areas ranging from hospitality and food services to airport operations, gaming, and sports venue management. Delaware North’s reach spans the globe, yet it remains rooted in Western New York.

One of Jacobs’ most significant additions to his portfolio came in 1975 when he acquired the Boston Bruins, one of the NHL’s hallmark Original Six teams. His ownership has been defined by significant success, including the Bruins’ 2011 Stanley Cup victory, their first in 39 years. He also funded and oversaw the construction of Boston’s TD Garden, a venue that has become iconic in North American sports.

Jacobs has also played an important role within the NHL itself, serving as Chairman of the NHL Board of Governors since 2007. Known for his strong leadership style, he has guided the league through its most challenging moments, including labor disputes.

A Buffalo Legacy

While Jacobs’ business achievements are impressive, his deep commitment to Buffalo is equally notable. He has directed significant resources toward philanthropy, making a lasting impact on education, healthcare, and community development within the city.

One of his crowning contributions is the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo (UB). His family’s $30 million donation helped fund the construction of a state-of-the-art building on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, cementing Jacobs’ legacy as a champion of education and innovation. This gift brought the family’s total contributions to UB to more than $50 million, making them the university’s largest donors.

Beyond the medical school, Jacobs’ philanthropy honors his late brother, Dr. Lawrence Jacobs, through the creation of the Jacobs Institute, a center specializing in revolutionary vascular medicine research and development. From funding scholarships to donating architectural landmarks, Jacobs and his family have contributed significantly to UB’s growth and prominence.

Jacobs’ generosity extends to other initiatives as well. The Say Yes Buffalo program, aimed at increasing access to education for Buffalo public school students, received a $1 million pledge from the Jacobs family. He also donated funds to restore the Darwin D. Martin House, a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece, and contributed to local athletic facilities and nonprofit organizations.

Leadership in Sports and Business

Throughout his career, Jacobs has been a pioneer in business and a notable leader within the professional sports world. While his strong stances in labor negotiations, including during NHL lockouts, earned him a “hardline” reputation, his commitment to the sport is undisputed. The Hockey Hall of Fame recognized his outstanding contributions by inducting him in 2017.

Jacobs has also been involved in larger industry conversations, including his role on the U.S. Department of Commerce Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, helping shape policies that affect nationwide business and tourism.

Lesser-Known Facts

Few may know that as a child in Buffalo, Jacobs was surrounded by sports thanks to his father’s ownership of local teams like the Buffalo Bisons hockey team and the Cincinnati Royals basketball team. These early experiences likely played a role in his lifelong love for sports and his eventual acquisition of the Boston Bruins.

Despite his busy schedule, Jacobs finds time to give back to his community with a personal touch. For example, the family’s donation of $250,000 to Iroquois Central High School in Elma, NY—a town close to his East Aurora residence—was part of Jacobs’ efforts to better local sports facilities for young athletes.

A Lasting Impact

Jeremy M. Jacobs Sr.’s story is more than a tale of wealth and success—it’s a narrative of a man who has devoted his life to creating opportunities for others while building on the legacy of a family business. From Buffalo to Boston and across the globe, his impact is felt in countless industries, communities, and organizations.

For the people of Buffalo, Jacobs represents the potential of what someone connected to the city can achieve. His dedication to philanthropy, innovation, and leadership showcases the best of Western New York’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Here’s to Jeremy M. Jacobs Sr., a proud Buffalo native who has transformed the worlds of business and sports while uplifting his hometown.