Seahawks Ownership Denies Sale Rumors Ahead of Super Bowl

The estate of late owner Paul Allen says the team is not for sale despite ESPN report.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 7:31pm

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The Seattle Seahawks have denied reports that the team will be sold after their appearance in the upcoming Super Bowl on February 8. ESPN had reported that talks were underway between Seahawks ownership and the NFL about a potential sale, but the estate of late owner Paul Allen has refuted those claims, stating that the team is not for sale and that there is no news to share at this time.

Why it matters

The Seahawks have been owned by the Allen family since 1997, and the potential sale of the franchise would be a significant event in the NFL. The denial of the sale rumors also highlights the ongoing transition of ownership following Paul Allen's passing in 2018, as his sister Jody Allen continues to oversee the team's operations.

The details

According to the report, ESPN cited unnamed sources in stating that talks about a potential Seahawks sale have been ongoing over the past week. However, the Paul Allen Estate released a statement denying the report, saying that the team is not for sale and that there is no news to share at this time. The statement also noted that the estate is focused on winning the Super Bowl and completing the sale of the Portland Trail Blazers in the coming months.

  • The Seahawks will play in the Super Bowl on February 8, 2026.
  • Paul Allen, the former owner of the Seahawks, passed away in 2018.

The players

Seattle Seahawks

An American professional football team based in Seattle, Washington, and a member of the National Football League (NFL).

Paul Allen

The co-founder of Microsoft and former owner of the Seattle Seahawks, who passed away in 2018.

Jody Allen

The sister of Paul Allen and the current owner of the Seattle Seahawks and Portland Trail Blazers.

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What they’re saying

“We don't comment on rumors or speculation, and the team is not for sale. We've already said that will change at some point per Paul's wishes, but there is no news to share. Our focus right now is winning the Super Bowl and completing the sale of the Portland Trail Blazers in the coming months.”

— Spokesperson for the Paul Allen Estate (The Associated Press)

What’s next

The Seahawks will continue their preparations for the Super Bowl on February 8, 2026, while the Paul Allen Estate focuses on completing the sale of the Portland Trail Blazers in the coming months.

The takeaway

The denial of the Seahawks sale rumors highlights the ongoing transition of ownership following Paul Allen's passing and the Allen family's commitment to the team's success, as they remain focused on winning the Super Bowl and managing their other business interests.