Seahawks Enter Formal Sale Process Days After Super Bowl 60 Victory
Updated (4 articles)
Sale Process Launched Following Super Bowl Triumph The Paul G. Allen estate announced on February 18, 2026 that it has “commenced a formal sale process” for the Seattle Seahawks, just ten days after the franchise secured its second Super Bowl title by defeating the New England Patriots [1][2]. The announcement appeared on the team’s official Instagram account, confirming long‑rumored post‑season sale talks [2]. Jody Allen, executor of the estate, is obligated by Paul Allen’s will to eventually sell all sports assets and direct proceeds to charitable causes [2]. The transaction must receive approval from the NFL’s 32 owners before it can proceed [2].
Team Valuation Hits Multi‑Billion Mark Amid Record Sales Forbes values the Seahawks at $6.7 billion, ranking them the 14th‑most‑valuable NFL franchise and reflecting a dramatic rise from Paul Allen’s 1997 purchase price of $194 million [1]. This valuation follows recent landmark deals, including the Washington Commanders’ $6.05 billion sale in 2023 and the Los Angeles Lakers’ $10 billion purchase in 2025 [1]. Analysts suggest the Super Bowl win could further boost the asking price, positioning the Seahawks among the most expensive recent sports team listings [1][2]. The high‑profile nature of the sale is expected to attract a global pool of potential buyers.
Estate Executes Paul Allen’s Philanthropic Directive Across Sports Holdings Paul Allen’s portfolio comprised the Seahawks, the Portland Trail Blazers, and a 25 % stake in the Seattle Sounders [2]. The Trail Blazers sale, announced in 2025, remains pending with a $4.25 billion deal involving Tom Dundon of the Carolina Hurricanes [1]. The Sounders stake is also slated for eventual disposition under the same philanthropic mandate [2]. Jody Allen oversees both the Seahawks and Trail Blazers transactions, ensuring proceeds will fund the Allen family’s charitable initiatives [1][2].
Deal Managed by Allen & Company, Requires NFL Owners’ Sign‑Off The estate has retained investment bank Allen & Company and law firm Latham & Watkins to steer the Seahawks sale [1][2]. These advisors will coordinate the marketing, bidding, and compliance processes while navigating NFL ownership approval requirements [2]. The involvement of high‑profile advisors underscores the complexity of transferring a $6.7 billion franchise within league regulations [1]. Final terms will be disclosed only after a qualified buyer is selected and the league grants consent [2].
Sources
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1.
BBC: Seahawks Listed for Sale Days After Super Bowl Victory: Details the estate’s formal sale launch, valuation at $6.7 billion, comparison to recent mega‑team sales, and Jody Allen’s parallel Trail Blazers deal, citing Allen & Company and Latham & Watkins as advisors .
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2.
King5: Seattle Seahawks Enter Formal Sale Process After Super Bowl Win: Confirms Instagram announcement, emphasizes the will‑driven philanthropic motive, outlines the broader sports portfolio, and notes NFL owners’ approval as a condition for the transaction .
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Timeline
1997 – Paul G. Allen purchases the Seattle Seahawks for $194 million, rescuing the franchise from a possible move to Southern California and beginning his ownership era [1][3].
Feb 2014 – The Seahawks capture their first Super Bowl title, defeating the Denver Broncos and establishing the team as a championship contender under Allen’s stewardship [1].
July 2022 – Jody Allen tells reporters the Seahawks “one day go up for sale” per her brother’s will and warns that winding down the estate could take 10–20 years, underscoring the long‑term timeline for any ownership change [4].
2023 – The Washington Commanders sell for $6.05 billion, setting a new benchmark for NFL franchise valuations and foreshadowing the high‑price environment for the Seahawks sale [1].
2025 – The Los Angeles Lakers fetch $10 billion in a record‑breaking transaction, further inflating expectations for top‑tier sports‑team deals [1].
2025 – The sale of the Portland Trail Blazers is announced in a $4.25 billion deal with Tom Dundon, but the transaction remains unfinished into early 2026, highlighting the estate’s ongoing divestiture process [3][4].
Jan 30‑31 2026 – The Paul G. Allen estate issues a statement that the Seahawks are “not for sale,” emphasizing focus on winning the Super Bowl and completing the Trail Blazers sale while refusing to comment on rumors [4].
Feb 3 2026 – NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell confirms the Seahawks will be sold, saying the timing “rests with Jody Allen,” and refutes a report of a $5 million fine, indicating league support for the eventual transaction [3].
Feb 2026 (Super Bowl LX) – The Seahawks win their second Super Bowl, beating the New England Patriots, which triggers the formal sale process stipulated in Paul Allen’s will [2].
Feb 18 2026 – The Allen estate announces via Instagram that it has “commenced a formal sale process” for the Seahawks, hiring Allen & Company and Latham & Watkins to manage the deal, which must obtain NFL owners’ approval [2][1].
Late 2026 (expected) – The Trail Blazers sale is slated to close in the coming months, and the Seahawks transaction is projected to conclude later in 2026 pending league approval, aligning with the estate’s philanthropic timeline [4][1].
All related articles (4 articles)
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BBC: Seahawks Listed for Sale Days After Super Bowl Victory
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King5 (Seattle, WA): Seattle Seahawks Enter Formal Sale Process After Super Bowl Win
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King5 (Seattle, WA): Goodell Says Seahawks Sale Will Depend on Jody Allen’s Decision
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King5 (Seattle, WA): Paul Allen Estate Refutes Seahawks Sale Rumors Amid Super Bowl Build‑Up