In May 2011, the Sabres had indicated a willingness to break from its affiliation agreement with the Pirates and re-affiliate with the Rochester Americans, with Sabres owner Terry Pegula intending to buy the Amerks. The Pirates had to sign off on the agreement, since their agreement with the Sabres ran through 2014. On June 24, 2011, the American Hockey League approved the sale of the Rochester Americans to Pegula, it also included the buyout of the affiliation contract with the Portland Pirates.