Seattle Seahawks fans can breathe a sigh of relief as the team is not expected to relocate, despite the recent announcement that the franchise is officially up for sale. This decision comes shortly after their victory in Super Bowl LX, as the estate of Paul G. Allen revealed plans to sell the team.
The rumors of a potential move have been fueled by the painful memories of the Seattle SuperSonics” departure, but the circumstances for the Seahawks are vastly different. With the proposed “millionaire tax” in Washington, some fans fear that a new owner might seek a more business-friendly location. However, the landscape of the NFL in 2026 presents a stark contrast to that of the NBA in 2006.
The Seattle-Tacoma media market ranks as the 13th largest in the United States, and every market above it has at least one NFL franchise. Furthermore, the Seahawks are uniquely positioned as the sole professional football team representing four states, attracting substantial viewership from Alaska and British Columbia. Given these factors, the NFL is unlikely to relinquish its footprint in such a significant region.
Additionally, the Seahawks have established themselves as one of the league”s more successful franchises since the division realignment in 2002. They are tied with the Philadelphia Eagles for the most Super Bowl appearances by an NFC team and have recorded more playoff wins than all but two teams, the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs. Historically, attempts to relocate the Seahawks in the 1990s were thwarted by the NFL, which ultimately forced the owner to sell the team.
The Seahawks also maintain a lease at Lumen Field through 2031, with options for further extensions. This year, the stadium will undergo approximately $20 million in upgrades to meet FIFA World Cup standards.
In conclusion, Seahawks fans can rest assured; the days of worrying about a return of the specter of relocation are over. The impending sale will not deter potential billionaire buyers from keeping the team firmly rooted in Seattle for the foreseeable future.
