The Seattle Seahawks are officially on the market after clinching their second Super Bowl victory. The team, originally purchased by the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen in 1997, has evolved from a middling franchise into a powerhouse of the 2010s, with notable success even in the mid-2000s.
Following Allen's passing in 2018, his sister Jody Allen took the reins, managing both the Seahawks and the Trail Blazers with the understanding that they would eventually be sold, with proceeds going to charity. Now, after their triumph in Super Bowl 60, that time has come.
On Wednesday, the Paul G. Allen Trust announced on X that it has initiated the formal sale process for the Seahawks, aligning with Paul Allen's wishes to sell his sports holdings and direct the proceeds to philanthropy.
The estate has enlisted Allen & Company and Latham & Watkins to spearhead the sale, which is expected to proceed through the 2026 off-season. The final purchase agreement will require ratification by NFL owners.
The Seahawks, one of the most valuable franchises in sports, are sure to attract significant interest. Fans hope that the new owner will prioritize winning, maintaining the legacy that Paul Allen built. The sentiment among the fanbase is a mix of hope and nostalgia, with many expressing their desire for the new ownership to keep the "12s" strong in Seattle.
Prior to their recent championship, Forbes valued the Seahawks at approximately $6.7 billion, a figure likely to rise following their latest Super Bowl victory and fourth NFC title. The sale represents not just a financial milestone but a significant moment in honoring Paul Allen's legacy, as his vision for the team and its philanthropic future moves forward.