Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke issued a statement reading, “David had a love for the Pacific Northwest, and a passion for sports and music that came together when he founded the NHL’s 32nd franchise, the Seattle Kraken and rebuilt Climate Pledge Arena, alongside his partners at OVG (Oak View Group).

Bonderman, who worked as a security guard at the Space Needle during college, eventually helped found the Kraken and led the effort to build Climate Pledge Arena.

The Seattle Kraken celebrated Indigenous Peoples Night at Climate Pledge Arena as part of their Kraken Common Thread initiative, honoring the connection between hockey and Indigenous communities. The event highlighted the team's commitment to inclusivity and unity, with a focus on diversity.