Seattle Seahawks Officially Put Up for Sale by Paul Allen Estate

The NFL franchise will be sold following the late owner's directive to direct proceeds to philanthropy.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Seattle Seahawks have officially been put up for sale by the estate of the late Paul G. Allen, the team's owner since 1997. The estate has hired investment bank Allen & Company and law firm Latham & Watkins to oversee the sale process, which is expected to continue through the 2026 offseason. Any final sale agreement must be approved by NFL owners.

Why it matters

Paul Allen's ownership of the Seahawks was a defining part of his legacy in the Pacific Northwest. The sale of the team will mark the end of an era and the transition of the franchise to new ownership, which could potentially impact the team's future direction and relationship with the local community.

The details

After Allen's death in 2018, his sister Jody Allen became the executor of his estate and chair of the Seahawks. Allen's will directed that his sports holdings, including the Seahawks, eventually be sold, with the proceeds going to philanthropy. The estate has now initiated the formal process to sell the NFL franchise.

  • The Seahawks announced the sale on February 18, 2026.
  • The sale process is expected to continue through the 2026 offseason.

The players

Paul G. Allen

The late owner of the Seattle Seahawks who purchased the team in 1997.

Jody Allen

The executor of Paul Allen's estate and current chair of the Seattle Seahawks.

Allen & Company

The investment bank hired by the Allen estate to oversee the sale of the Seattle Seahawks.

Latham & Watkins

The law firm hired by the Allen estate to oversee the sale of the Seattle Seahawks.

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What’s next

Any final agreement for the sale of the Seattle Seahawks must be approved by NFL owners.

The takeaway

The sale of the Seattle Seahawks marks the end of an era for the franchise and the Pacific Northwest, as the team transitions to new ownership following the death of long-time owner Paul Allen. The sale proceeds will go towards Allen's philanthropic efforts, as directed by his will.