The Seattle Seahawks have officially begun the process of being sold, just 10 days after winning the Super Bowl, in what could become one of the biggest franchise sales in sporting history.
The announcement came from the Estate of Paul G. Allen, the late Microsoft co-founder who bought the Seahawks in 1997.
The estate confirmed it has now started a formal sale process, with investment bank Allen & Company and law firm Latham & Watkins hired to oversee the deal.
While the team remains based in Seattle, the news is already making waves far beyond the United States, including among UK sports fans who have increasingly followed NFL coverage through Sky Sports and the growing popularity of the league in London.
Why does the Seattle Seahawks’ sale matter right now?
The timing has shocked many fans because the Seahawks have just lifted the Super Bowl trophy after a 29–13 win over the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium.
A sale so soon after a championship win is rare in major sport, and it suggests the decision is not about performance or finances — but about long-term estate planning.
Estate of Paul G. Allen Begins Sale Process for Seattle Seahawks pic.twitter.com/Toj3CjClzP
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) February 18, 2026
The Allen estate said the sale follows Paul Allen’s personal instructions.
“The sale is consistent with Allen’s directive to eventually sell his sports holdings and direct all Estate proceeds to philanthropy.” Statement from the Estate of Paul G. Allen
That means the Seahawks sale is not being driven by a crisis, but by a plan that was already in motion.
Who owned the Seahawks, and why are they being sold?
Paul Allen, best known in the UK as one of the founding figures behind Microsoft, purchased the Seahawks in 1997 for around $200 million.
He died in 2018, and since then, his younger sister Jody Allen has acted as chair of the franchise.
The estate says Allen’s will instructed that his sports holdings should eventually be sold, and the proceeds should go toward charitable causes.
At the time of his death, Allen owned:
- The Seattle Seahawks (NFL)
- The Portland Trail Blazers (NBA)
- A 25% stake in Seattle Sounders (MLS)
This sale appears to be the latest step in carrying out that plan.
How much could the Seattle Seahawks be worth?
The Seattle Seahawks are among the most valuable franchises in the NFL, and analysts expect the sale to set a new record.
Recent estimates include:
- Sportico valuation: $6.59 billion (last year)
- Forbes valuation: $6.7 billion
However, several reports suggest the final selling price could reach $8 billion, which would make the Seahawks one of the most expensive teams ever sold in world sport.
How long will the Seahawks’ sale process take?
According to the estate, the sale process is expected to continue through the 2026 NFL off-season, meaning it could take well over a year before a final owner is confirmed.
The statement also noted that the NFL must approve any sale. “NFL owners must then ratify a final purchase agreement.” Statement from the Estate of Paul G. Allen
That approval step is critical because the NFL operates like a private members’ club. Owners vote on whether a new buyer can join.
Could the Seahawks’ sale set a new NFL record?
Yes, and it is likely. With valuations approaching £5–£6 billion when converted into UK currency, the Seahawks’ sale could break the current NFL record for the most expensive franchise purchase.
The sale also comes at a time when NFL expansion into international markets continues, with London games drawing large crowds and the league regularly marketing itself in the UK.
From a business standpoint, the Seahawks are attractive because they offer:
- A modern stadium (Lumen Field)
- Strong fan support
- Championship success
- A global NFL brand
What does Lumen Field and Seattle’s success add to the price?
Under Paul Allen’s ownership, the Seahawks grew into a top-tier NFL organisation.
Their home ground, Lumen Field, became one of the loudest and most famous stadiums in American football.
During Allen’s time as owner, Seattle achieved major milestones:
- Stadium development and modernisation
- First Super Bowl win in 2014
- Another Super Bowl appearance the following year
- Continued playoff relevance over multiple seasons
That history strengthens the franchise’s reputation, which pushes the value higher.
Who could realistically buy the Seattle Seahawks?
Although no buyers have been officially named, the sale price means the list of potential owners will be small.
In most cases, NFL teams are purchased by:
- Billionaire business figures
- Investment groups
- Tech entrepreneurs
- Ownership consortiums (multiple wealthy investors)
In the UK, this kind of deal is similar to Premier League takeovers, but on a much larger financial scale.
Even the biggest football club owners in Britain would struggle to compete with an $8 billion (£6.3 billion+) valuation.
Could UK investors or owners be involved?
It is possible, but unlikely, as a lead buyer. UK-based billionaires have invested in American sport before, and some have stakes in US franchises.
But NFL ownership requires huge capital, and the league’s approval process often favours buyers with deep American business ties.
That said, minority investment from overseas groups is becoming more common across global sport.
If the Seahawks do sell for $7–$8 billion, UK-based private wealth funds may still play a supporting role behind the scenes.
