Seattle Seahawks Poised for Record $10 Billion Sale After Super Bowl

The impending sale of the NFL franchise could reshape professional sports ownership in America.

Published on Jan. 30, 2026

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The Seattle Seahawks are expected to be placed on the market shortly after the Super Bowl, potentially triggering the most expensive transaction in National Football League history. The sale fulfills the estate planning directives of late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, who purchased the team in 1997 to prevent its relocation. The Seahawks' success this season, combined with favorable market conditions and the recent sale of the Portland Trail Blazers, has created an optimal window for executing the sale, which could fetch a record $10 billion.

Why it matters

The Seahawks' sale could reshape the economics of professional sports ownership in America. The transaction would establish a new benchmark for franchise valuations and potentially accelerate the trend of rising team prices across all major sports leagues. It would also intensify pressure on other NFL owners to maximize their franchises' value through stadium improvements, market expansion, and revenue diversification.

The details

The impending sale traces back to October 2018, when Paul Allen passed away, leaving behind a sports empire that included the Seahawks and the Portland Trail Blazers. Allen's sister, Jody Allen, has overseen the trust since his death, and the wheels are now in motion to fulfill his final wishes. The trust has already demonstrated its commitment to liquidating Allen's sports holdings, agreeing to sell the Trail Blazers for more than $4 billion last year.

  • The Seahawks are expected to be placed on the market shortly after the Super Bowl.
  • The Trail Blazers sale is expected to close in the coming months.

The players

Paul Allen

The late Microsoft co-founder who purchased the Seahawks in 1997 to prevent the team from relocating.

Jody Allen

The sister of Paul Allen and the overseer of his trust since his death.

Mike Macdonald

The Seahawks' first-year head coach, who has transformed the team's defense into one of the league's most formidable units.

Sam Darnold

The Seahawks' 28-year-old quarterback, who is playing the best football of his career and provides a foundation for sustained success.

John Schneider

The Seahawks' general manager, who has demonstrated continued acumen in talent evaluation and roster construction.

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What they’re saying

“Our focus right now is winning the Super Bowl.”

— Jason Hunke, Spokesman for Vulcan (The Wall Street Journal)

What’s next

The trust's sale of the Seahawks will require approval from at least 24 of the NFL's 32 owners, a process that involves extensive financial vetting and personal background checks. The approval process typically takes several months.

The takeaway

The Seahawks' sale could set a new record for the most expensive transaction in NFL history, potentially exceeding $10 billion. This would establish a new benchmark for franchise valuations and intensify pressure on other team owners to maximize the value of their franchises through various means, including stadium improvements, market expansion, and revenue diversification.