The worst-kept Seahawks secret is now official. The team issued a press release on Wednesday confirming that the Estate of Paul G. Allen has begun the process of selling the team.
“The Estate of Paul G. Allen today announced it has commenced a formal sale process for the Seattle Seahawks NFL franchise, consistent with Allen’s directive to eventually sell his sports holdings and direct all Estate proceeds to philanthropy,” the statement reads. “The Estate has selected investment bank Allen & Company and law firm Latham & Watkins to lead the sale process, which is estimated to continue through the 2026 off-season. NFL owners must then ratify a final purchase agreement.”
Confirmation of the team’s sale comes weeks after a team spokesman denied a report by ESPN’s Brady Henderson that the team would be up for sale after Super Bowl LVI.
EXPECTED RECORD SALE
The sale of the Seahawks franchise is expected to fetch anywhere from $6.05 billion t0 $8 billion. The $6.05 billion is the amount the Washington Commanders sold for in 2023. It is a safe guess that a team several weeks from winning a Super Bowl, a solid fan base, and one of the best front offices in the league will easily top the Commanders’ selling price. The Pro Football Writers of America awarded Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager John Schneider the Executive of the Year. At the same time, head coach Mike Macdonald finished second to Patriots coach Mike Vrabel for Coach of the Year.
A LEGACY FULFILLED
The NBA’s Seattle Seahawks and the Portland Trail Blazers were owned by the late Paul G. Allen, who died of cancer in 2018. After his death, both franchises were placed in an estate managed by Jody Allen, Paul’s sister. The estate reached an agreement to sell the Trailblazers to Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon in August 2025.
Paul Allen bought the Seahawks from Ken Behring in 1977 for $200 million.
