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Seattle Seahawks set to be Sold After Super Bowl LX, Ushering in New Era for NFL Franchise
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The Seattle Seahawks will be put up for sale following their appearance in Super Bowl LX, ending years of speculation about the future of the team after the 2018 passing of owner Paul G. Allen. Discussions surrounding the sale have been ongoing at both the ownership and league levels for at least the past week, according to sources familiar with the arrangement.
A Legacy in Transition
The Seahawks and the Portland trail Blazers, both owned by the Paul G.Allen Trust, are being prepared for separate sales. Jody Allen, acting as trustee, announced in July 2022 her intention to eventually sell both franchises, a decision stemming from her brother’s philanthropic goals and the complexities of managing estates of this magnitude.
“As part of Paul’s estate planning, we knew this day would come,” Allen stated previously. “We have been working diligently to prepare both the Seahawks and the Trail Blazers for a transition that honors his legacy and ensures their continued success.”
To transition ownership.Both the NFL and the Seahawks organizations declined to comment directly, referencing Allen’s previous statements regarding the eventual sale.
Timing and financial implications
The timing of the sale is significant. The Seahawks are now beyond a date that would have required sharing 10% of the proceeds with the state of Washington. This sale marks the first time in the super Bowl era that a team competing in the championship game will be placed on the market so soon after the contest. A similar, though partial, transaction occured in 1991 when Preston Robert Tisch acquired 50% of the New York Giants shortly after their Super Bowl victory.
A Historic Franchise on the Block
Paul Allen initially purchased the Seahawks from Ken Behring in 1996, a move that prevented a potential relocation to Southern California. Now, a new sale could shatter NFL franchise valuation records, particularly given the team’s recent success and upcoming Super Bowl appearance against the New England Patriots on February 8 in Santa Clara, California.
The Seahawks have reached the playoffs in seven of the last ten seasons and play at Lumen Field, a venue renowned for its challenging atmosphere for opposing teams. The stadium is currently undergoing nearly $20 million in upgrades in preparation for the 2026 World Cup. Moreover, the franchise boasts a highly regarded leadership duo in General Manager john Schneider and Head coach Mike Macdonald.
Soaring Valuations and Potential Bidders
Sports team valuations have experienced substantial growth in recent years. Sportico currently values the Seahawks at $6.59 billion, ranking 14th in the league.The recent sale of the Washington Commanders to a group led by Josh Harris for a record $6.05 billion in 2023, and a majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers selling for $10 billion last June, demonstrate the escalating market.
One team executive estimated the Seahawks could fetch between $7 billion and $8 billion. The Portland trail Blazers are also in the process of being sold to a group led by Tom Dundon, owner of the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, for over $4 billion.
Jody Allen’s Vision and Leadership
Jody Allen, who honored her brother by raising the 12 flag before the NFC Championship Game, has largely remained private during her tenure. Her first public comments came after the Seahawks secured the NFC championship trophy, stating, “I’m incredibly proud to be standing here today and accepting this on behalf of all the 12s here, all the 12s across the country and all the 12s across the globe.”
In a statement released in July 2022, Allen acknowledged the eventual sale of both teams, citing her brother’s philanthropic goals.She noted that unwinding estates of this size and complexity could take 10 to 20 years, emphasizing that the focus remained on winning until a sale was finalized.
A New Chapter Begins
The most impactful decision Jody Allen made was the departure of longtime coach Pete Carroll after the 2023 season, paving the way for Schneider to assume the top decision-making role. Schneider subsequently hired Macdonald, who has guided the Seahawks to both 10- and 14-win regular seasons, culminating in their fourth Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.
Macdonald praised Allen’s vision and support, stating on Friday during team media availability, “The thing that sticks out to me about Jody was her enthusiasm about where she wanted our team to be and our franchise to be as a
