The Seattle Seahawks are expected to be sold after Super Bowl LX, according to information obtained by ESPN from sources within the league and ownership circles. This decision marks the end of uncertainty surrounding the team”s ownership since the passing of former owner Paul G. Allen in 2018.
Discussions about the sale have reportedly been ongoing among team ownership and league officials for at least a week. Since Allen”s death, both the Seahawks and the NBA“s Portland Trail Blazers have been under the control of his estate, managed by his sister, Jody Allen. She has been acting as the trustee with the intention of eventually selling both teams and donating the proceeds to charitable causes.
An NFL spokesperson declined to provide any comments on the matter, and the Seahawks also chose not to elaborate, referring to Allen”s previous remarks about the eventual sale of the team. Notably, the team is now past a deadline that would have required sharing 10% of the sale proceeds with the state of Washington.
If the Seahawks are indeed put up for sale, it would represent a significant moment in NFL history. It would be the first occurrence in the Super Bowl era where an entire team that participated in the championship game is offered on the market shortly thereafter. The Seahawks are scheduled to face the New England Patriots on February 8 in Santa Clara, California.
The franchise has a storied history, having been saved from potential relocation to Southern California when Paul Allen purchased the team from Ken Behring in 1996, with the deal becoming official in 1997.
The Seahawks could potentially set a new record for the highest sale price for an NFL team following a Super Bowl appearance. Over the last decade, they have made the playoffs seven times, showcasing their competitive nature. Currently, they play at the iconic Lumen Field, which is renowned for being one of the toughest venues for opposing teams and is preparing for nearly $20 million in upgrades ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Under the leadership of respected general manager John Schneider and head coach Mike Macdonald, the Seahawks have become a formidable force in the league. Recent valuations by Sportico estimate the team”s worth at $6.59 billion, ranking them 14th among NFL franchises.
The most recent team to change ownership was the Washington Commanders, purchased in 2023 for a record $6.05 billion. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers sold a majority stake at a valuation of $10 billion last June.
Some executives believe the Seahawks could command between $7 billion and $8 billion when sold. The Trail Blazers are currently in the process of being sold to an investment group led by Tom Dundon, who is also the owner of the NHL“s Carolina Hurricanes.
Jody Allen has typically refrained from granting interviews during her management of the team. Her first public comments came during the NFC Championship trophy presentation, where she expressed pride in representing the fans. In a statement from July 2022, she indicated that while neither team was for sale at that moment, they would eventually be sold, aligning with her brother”s philanthropic goals. She noted that the complexity of such estates could extend the timeline for selling the teams.
Recently, she made a significant decision to part ways with legendary coach Pete Carroll after the 2023 season, placing Schneider in charge of decision-making for the franchise. Schneider subsequently hired Macdonald, who has already guided the Seahawks to multiple successful seasons and their fourth Super Bowl appearance.
Macdonald reflected on Jody Allen”s clear vision for the team and her enthusiasm during their interactions, emphasizing her support for the franchise”s direction.
