Seahawks Franchise Up for Sale After Owner's Death

Team expected to fetch record-breaking $9-11 billion price tag

Feb. 23, 2026 at 10:07am

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The Seattle Seahawks football franchise is officially on the market after the death of longtime owner Paul Allen in 2018. Allen left instructions for the team to be sold, with the proceeds going to charity. The league has been pressuring Allen's sister Jody to put the team up for sale, with expectations of a sale price between $9-11 billion - a new record for an NFL franchise.

Why it matters

The sale of the Seahawks represents a major transition for the franchise and its fanbase, who have grown accustomed to the team's stability and success under Allen's ownership. The new owner will have full control over the team's direction, raising concerns among fans about potential changes to the team's leadership and operations.

The details

The Seahawks have been owned by Paul Allen since he purchased the team in 1997. After Allen's death in 2018, he left instructions for the team to be sold, with the proceeds going to charity. The league has been pressuring Allen's sister Jody to put the team on the market, with the understanding that a $5 million fine would be levied if the sale did not happen promptly after Super Bowl LX.

  • Paul Allen, the Seahawks' owner, passed away in October 2018.
  • The league has been pushing for the team to be sold since Allen's death, with the understanding that a $5 million fine would be imposed if the sale did not happen promptly after Super Bowl LX.

The players

Paul Allen

The late owner of the Seattle Seahawks, who passed away in 2018 and left instructions for the team to be sold with the proceeds going to charity.

Jody Allen

The sister of the late Paul Allen, who has been pressured by the league to put the Seahawks up for sale following her brother's death.

John Schneider

The current general manager of the Seattle Seahawks, who has overseen the team's success in recent years.

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What they’re saying

“The goal will be to sell the team to the highest bidder, in order to maximize the charitable contribution.”

— Mike Florio, Author

“The Seahawks organization, along with the team's fans, will be stuck with whoever the high bidder may be.”

— Mike Florio, Author

What’s next

The Seahawks' ownership transition is expected to be a closely watched process, as the new owner will have significant influence over the team's future direction and success.

The takeaway

The sale of the Seahawks represents a major shift for the franchise and its loyal fanbase, who will be hoping the new owner maintains the team's stability and commitment to winning that has defined the Paul Allen era.