In a stunning move that reshapes the NFL landscape, the Seattle Seahawks for sale process has officially begun, just ten days after the franchise hoisted the Lombardi Trophy. The Paul G. Allen Estate confirmed on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, that it has launched a formal search for a new owner, ending years of speculation surrounding the team's future. Coming on the heels of a dominant 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX, this announcement positions the Seahawks to potentially shatter all global records for a professional sports team valuation.
Super Bowl LX Champions Officially on the Market
The timing of the announcement has sent shockwaves through the sports world. While rumors of a sale have persisted since Paul Allen's passing in 2018, few expected the process to initiate so swiftly after the team's championship parade. Jody Allen, trustee of the Paul G. Allen Trust, stated that the decision aligns with her late brother's directive to eventually liquidate his sports portfolio to fund philanthropic endeavors.
"The time is right to transition stewardship of this world-class franchise," the estate noted in a press release. The sale comes at the absolute peak of the team's value, with the Seahawks sitting atop the NFL world as reigning champions. The organization has retained Allen & Company and legal powerhouse Latham & Watkins to manage the transaction, which is expected to dominate headlines throughout the 2026 offseason.
Shattering Records: NFL Franchise Valuation and Price Tag
Financial experts predict the NFL team sale 2026 will set a new global benchmark. The current record belongs to the Washington Commanders, sold for $6.05 billion in 2023. However, the Seahawks offer a vastly different proposition: a stable, championship-winning organization with a passionate fanbase and a modern stadium situation at Lumen Field.
Forbes valued the franchise at approximately $6.7 billion in late 2025, but competitive bidding could drive the final price significantly higher. With the premium attached to a Super Bowl-winning roster and the scarcity of NFL teams available for purchase, analysts project the final sale price could soar between $7 billion and $8 billion. This massive influx of capital will be directed almost entirely toward charitable causes, fulfilling the core mandate of the Paul Allen Trust.
Who Will Buy the Seattle Seahawks?
The Seattle Seahawks ownership update has immediately reignited speculation about potential buyers. Topping the list of rumored suitors is Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. With deep ties to the Seattle area and a net worth exceeding $250 billion, Bezos has long been viewed as the most logical successor. While he passed on the Commanders, the opportunity to acquire a local crown jewel fresh off a Super Bowl LX victory may be too enticing to ignore.
Other Potential Contenders
Beyond Bezos, other tech moguls have surfaced in conversations. Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison has previously shown interest in sports ownership, and rumors of a consortium involving former Seattle sports legends have also begun to circulate. However, any prospective owner must be vetted and approved by at least 24 of the 32 NFL owners—a rigorous process that ensures the franchise remains in capable hands.
Jody Allen's Stewardship and the Trust's Mandate
The Jody Allen Seahawks sale announcement marks the beginning of the end for the Allen family's tenure, which saved the team from relocation in 1997. Under Jody Allen's leadership since 2018, the franchise has maintained stability, culminating in the recent Super Bowl triumph under head coach Mike Macdonald. This move follows the estate's recent agreement to sell the Portland Trail Blazers, signaling a systematic winding down of Paul Allen's sports assets as planned.
For the "12s"—Seattle's raucous fanbase—the news is bittersweet. While the sale brings uncertainty, the team is attractive enough to draw an owner committed to winning. The lease at Lumen Field runs through 2032, providing immediate geographic stability, and the roster is primed for continued success. As the Seattle Seahawks breaking news cycle continues, the world watches to see who will pay the ultimate price for the NFL's newest dynasty.
