Paul Allen's Seattle Seahawks Ownership a 'One of One Story'

Former Seahawks CEO Tod Leiweke calls Allen's legacy as owner an "incredible, epic tale".

Mar. 1, 2026 at 5:39am

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With the Seattle Seahawks now officially up for sale, former Seahawks CEO Tod Leiweke emphasized the late Paul Allen's nearly three decades of ownership stability and success with the franchise. Leiweke called Allen's work as an owner a "one of one story" in the history of sports, where a team went from nearly relocating to becoming an incredible winner, and now the proceeds from the sale will go to Allen's vast philanthropic efforts.

Why it matters

Paul Allen's ownership of the Seahawks is seen as an example of how professional sports franchises should be run, with a focus on the fans and the community rather than just profits. The sale of the team will provide billions in resources for Allen's charitable foundation to continue its important work.

The details

Allen purchased the Seahawks in 1997 when the team was on the verge of relocating to Southern California. Under his ownership, the Seahawks became one of the most successful franchises in the NFL, winning two Super Bowls and making four Super Bowl appearances. Leiweke, who was the Seahawks CEO from 2003-2010, praised Allen's commitment to the fans and the city of Seattle, saying he always believed he didn't own the team, but that the fans did.

  • Paul Allen purchased the Seahawks in 1997.
  • The Seahawks have won two Super Bowls and made four Super Bowl appearances since Allen bought the team.

The players

Paul Allen

The co-founder of Microsoft who purchased the Seattle Seahawks in 1997, saving the team from relocation and helping it become one of the most successful franchises in the NFL.

Tod Leiweke

The former CEO of the Seattle Seahawks from 2003-2010 and current CEO of the Seattle Kraken.

Ken Behring

The previous owner of the Seahawks who was on the verge of relocating the team to Southern California before Allen purchased the franchise.

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What they’re saying

“This is a one of one story maybe in the history of sports – where a team goes from almost leaving a city, to becoming an incredible winner, and upon the sale, the money's gonna go back to make the world a better place.”

— Tod Leiweke, Former Seahawks CEO

“The ultimate outcome is that it's going to benefit charity, and giving, and the arts, and the incredible work (of the Allen Institute for Brain Science). And now the foundation is literally going to have billions and billions and billions more in resources to continue to work. It is an incredible, epic tale.”

— Tod Leiweke, Former Seahawks CEO

“And more than anything, I hope it gets used as an example forever of how a franchise should conduct itself, because really, he always believed that he didn't own it, but the fans did. And not only did he live by it, he acted (by) it. And look at what's happened here. It's just unbelievable.”

— Tod Leiweke, Former Seahawks CEO

What’s next

The Seattle Seahawks are officially up for sale, and the proceeds from the sale will go to Paul Allen's vast philanthropic efforts.

The takeaway

Paul Allen's ownership of the Seattle Seahawks is seen as an exemplary model for how professional sports franchises should be run, with a focus on the fans, the community, and using the team's success to benefit charitable causes. His legacy as an owner will continue to inspire and serve as a blueprint for future sports franchise owners.