Seahawks Sale Speculation Rises Amid Proposed 'Jock Tax' in Washington

A proposed 9.9% income tax on high-earning athletes and performers in Washington has fueled speculation about a potential Seahawks sale.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 7:39pm

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Speculation about a potential sale of the Seattle Seahawks has intensified amid debate over a proposed Washington state income tax that would apply to high-earning athletes and performers. The proposed 'jock tax' would force visiting athletes and performers to pay a 9.9% income tax on earnings generated during their time in the state, potentially costing top earners tens of thousands of dollars per game. While the Seahawks' ownership has refuted the notion that the team is currently for sale, the timing of the tax proposal has fueled speculation about the franchise's future.

Why it matters

The proposed 'jock tax' has raised concerns among professional athletes and teams, including the Seahawks, about the financial impact of such a measure. The speculation around a potential Seahawks sale also comes at a sensitive time, as the team prepares for the Super Bowl. The tax proposal and sale speculation have become intertwined, raising questions about the long-term viability of professional sports franchises in Washington state.

The details

The proposed 9.9% 'millionaire's income tax' being considered by Washington state Democrats would include a 'jock tax' component that would force high-earning visiting athletes and performers to pay income tax on earnings generated during their time in the state. The tax would apply to income above $1 million and is expected to raise more than $3 billion annually to fund education, the Working Families Tax Credit, and eliminate sales taxes on necessities.

  • The proposed 'jock tax' would take effect on January 1, 2029.
  • The Seahawks are set to play in Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026.

The players

Jody Allen

Took ownership of the Seahawks following the death of her brother, Paul Allen, in October 2018.

Paul Allen

The late co-founder of Microsoft and former owner of the Seahawks.

Bob Ferguson

The Governor of Washington state.

Jamie Pedersen

The Democratic State Senate Majority Leader in Washington.

Ryan Frost

The director of Budget and Tax Policy at the Washington Policy Center, a free-market think tank.

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What they’re saying

“While the 'jock tax' is standard in states with income taxes, I doubt our Seahawks, Mariners and Kraken players will be thrilled about losing 10% of their salaries.”

— Ryan Frost, Director of Budget and Tax Policy, Washington Policy Center (clarkcountytoday.com)

“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.”

— Paul G. Allen Estate (The Seattle Times)

What’s next

The proposed 'jock tax' legislation is still under consideration in the Washington state legislature, and its potential impact on the Seahawks and other professional sports teams in the state remains to be seen. The Seahawks' ownership has stated that the team is not currently for sale, but the speculation around a potential sale will likely continue until the team's future is more clearly defined.

The takeaway

The proposed 'jock tax' in Washington state has become intertwined with speculation about the potential sale of the Seattle Seahawks, raising questions about the long-term viability of professional sports franchises in the state. The tax proposal has sparked concerns among athletes and teams, while the timing of the speculation has added to the uncertainty surrounding the Seahawks' future.