Seattle Seahawks Officially Hit Market in Potential Record-Breaking Sale

Seattle Seahawks Officially Hit Market in Potential Record-Breaking Sale

2026-02-19 companies

Seattle, Wednesday, 18 February 2026.
Fresh off their Super Bowl LX victory, the Seattle Seahawks are officially for sale, a move by the Paul G. Allen Estate expected to shatter NFL transaction records. With valuations projecting a price tag exceeding $7 billion, this liquidation fulfills the late Microsoft co-founder’s philanthropic directive, presenting a rare opportunity for investors to acquire a championship franchise at the peak of its value.

Market Timing and Valuation Dynamics

The timing of this liquidation is strategically impeccable, capitalizing on the franchise’s peak valuation following their Super Bowl LX triumph over the New England Patriots on February 8, 2026 [3][6]. The Paul G. Allen Estate, managed by executor Jody Allen, has retained investment bank Allen & Company and law firm Latham & Watkins to oversee a sale process expected to conclude during the 2026 offseason [2][3]. While the Washington Commanders set the current NFL sale record at $6.05 billion in 2023, the Seahawks are poised to eclipse that figure significantly [1][3]. Market valuations vary, with the Sports Business Journal estimating a floor between $6.6 billion and $7 billion, while other analysts suggest the price could surge into the $9 billion to $11 billion range [3][5]. Even at the conservative valuation of $6.6 billion, the asset has appreciated by approximately 3302.062 percent since Paul Allen purchased the team for $194 million in 1997 to prevent its relocation to Southern California [4][5].

This transaction is driven by the specific estate planning mandates of Paul Allen, the Microsoft co-founder who passed away in 2018, directing that his sports holdings be liquidated to fund philanthropic endeavors [2][4]. The sale process was formally announced on Wednesday, adhering to a timeline that likely benefitted from the expiration of a specific state mandate; a requirement for the team to remit 10% of the gross sale price to Washington state expired in May 2024, removing a substantial financial encumbrance from the transaction [5]. The sale also follows the trajectory of the Estate’s other major sports asset, the Portland Trail Blazers, which is currently in the process of being sold to a group led by Tom Dundon for over $4 billion, with closing expected as early as March 2026 [5][6].

Operational Stability and Future Ownership

Prospective buyers will be acquiring a franchise with long-term stability, anchored by a lease at Lumen Field that runs through 2032 and includes three additional 10-year options [1]. Despite the change in ownership, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has expressed support for the transition, noting that the sale is ultimately Jody Allen’s decision to execute in accordance with the trust’s requirements [1]. Any final purchase agreement will require ratification by NFL owners [2]. As the sale progresses, the team continues its operational adjustments, including the expected hiring of Brian Fleury as offensive coordinator, ensuring competitive continuity amidst the corporate restructuring [1].

Sources


Philanthropy Sports Franchise