Just ten days after hoisting the Lombardi Trophy, the Seattle Seahawks are officially on the market. The estate of the late Paul G. Allen announced on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, that it has launched a formal sale process for the franchise. The move follows a specific directive from Allen, the Microsoft co-founder who passed away in 2018, to eventually sell his sports assets to fund philanthropic efforts.
The announcement comes at a historic peak for the organization. On February 8, 2026, the Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 29-13 at Levi’s Stadium to win Super Bowl LX, marking their second championship in franchise history and the first under second-year head coach Mike Macdonald.
The Sale Process and Valuation
The estate has enlisted the investment bank Allen & Company and the law firm Latham & Watkins to manage the transaction. Given the recent championship win and the NFL’s soaring media rights values, the Seahawks are expected to set a new global record for a sports franchise sale.
- Estimated Price Tag: While early 2025 valuations placed the team around $6.6 billion, current market analysts and reports from Pro Football Talk suggest the final bidding could reach between $9 billion and $11 billion.
- Previous Record: The current NFL record is held by the Washington Commanders, sold for $6.05 billion in 2023.
- Potential Suitors: High-net-worth individuals such as Jeff Bezos (Amazon), Larry Ellison (Oracle), and Steve Ballmer (LA Clippers/Microsoft) have long been linked to the franchise, though Bezos has reportedly signaled he may not pursue this specific opportunity.
A Legacy of Success
Under the ownership of the Allen family since 1997, the Seahawks transformed from a team on the verge of relocation to a perennial powerhouse.
- Championship Pedigree: 2 Super Bowl titles (XLVIII and LX), 4 NFC Championships, and 11 division titles.
- Philanthropic Mission: All proceeds from the sale will be directed toward Paul Allen’s charitable foundations focusing on science, technology, and conservation.