Seattle Seahawks Sale: Bill Gates Steps Aside
Seattle Seahawks fans are buzzing with anticipation as the team is officially up for sale. The organization has enlisted a law firm to facilitate the transition, with expectations that a new owner will be in place sometime in 2026.
However, one name that won't be on the ownership list is Bill Gates. The Microsoft co-founder recently put to rest any speculation about his involvement in purchasing the team.
During a town hall for the Gates Foundation, Gates was asked about the possibility of buying the Seahawks, a team once owned by his fellow Microsoft founder, Paul Allen. Gates could have simply declined, but he chose to add a touch of humor. According to a recording obtained by the Seattle Times, Gates quipped, "I noticed they only have men on their team, and I’m not sure I can go with that," before clarifying, "Seattle is a great city, but my owning a sports team will not be a part of how I spend my time."
While some might raise eyebrows at his joke, Gates has recently been under scrutiny due to unrelated public issues. Yet, these matters don’t necessarily reflect on his potential as a sports team owner. Gates has maintained a solid reputation as a business leader, contrasting with other potential buyers like Jeff Bezos.
The Seahawks have enjoyed a relatively drama-free ownership history, a quality fans hope to see continued. The team's positive reputation extends beyond the field, with players and staff frequently praising the organization for treating everyone with respect and dignity.
As the sale process unfolds, fans are understandably anxious about the future. General Manager John Schneider and Head Coach Mike Macdonald have reassured supporters that it’s business as usual, with the current sale proceedings having minimal impact on their operations. The hope is that new ownership will preserve the culture and values that have made the Seahawks a standout franchise in the NFL.