Seahawks Begin Sale Process

Team to be sold after winning Super Bowl 60

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Less than two weeks after winning the Super Bowl, the estate of Paul G. Allen has announced that it has begun a formal sale process for the Seattle Seahawks NFL franchise. The investment bank Allen & Company and law firm Latham & Watkins will lead the sale, which is expected to continue through the offseason.

Why it matters

The Seahawks sale is significant as the team has been a beloved part of the Seattle community since Paul Allen purchased the franchise in 1997 to prevent it from leaving the city. The sale process will determine the new controlling owner and the future direction of the team.

The details

The Seahawks are being sold as part of the directive from the late Paul Allen to eventually sell his sports assets and donate the proceeds to philanthropic efforts. The last NFL team to change controlling owners was the Washington Commanders, which sold for a then-record $6.05 billion in 2023. The Denver Broncos also recently sold for $4.65 billion in 2022. As the Seahawks are held in a trust, Jody Allen has a fiduciary duty as executor of the estate to maximize the franchise's value in the sale, meaning the highest bidder will get the team.

  • On February 18, 2026, the estate of Paul G. Allen announced the start of the formal sale process for the Seattle Seahawks.
  • The Seahawks won Super Bowl 60 less than two weeks prior to the sale announcement.

The players

Paul G. Allen

The late co-founder of Microsoft who purchased the Seahawks in 1997 to prevent the team from leaving Seattle. Allen served as the controlling owner until his death in 2018.

Jody Allen

The executor of Paul Allen's estate and responsible for overseeing the sale of the Seahawks to maximize the franchise's value.

Josh Harris

The private equity investor who led the group that purchased the Washington Commanders for a then-record $6.05 billion in 2023.

Tom Dundon

The billionaire who is leading the group purchasing the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers and also owns the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes.

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What’s next

The sale process is expected to continue through the offseason, with the investment bank Allen & Company and law firm Latham & Watkins leading the efforts to find a new controlling owner for the Seahawks.

The takeaway

The sale of the Seahawks marks the end of an era for the franchise, as Paul Allen's ownership has been integral to the team's success and place in the Seattle community. The new owner will have the opportunity to shape the future direction of the team, but will also face the challenge of living up to the legacy left by Allen's stewardship.