SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The road to Super Bowl LX has led the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots back to the Bay Area, but the headlines greeting them in California are anything but routine. As both teams touched down at San Jose Mineta International Airport this week to begin preparations for Sunday’s clash at Levi's Stadium, a bombshell report has sent shockwaves through the league: the Seattle Seahawks are expected to be put up for sale immediately following the championship game, with a projected price tag hovering near a record-breaking $8 billion.
While the on-field narrative focuses on the poetic Patriots vs Seahawks rematch of their iconic 2015 encounter, the off-field drama involving the Paul G. Allen Trust has added a layer of uncertainty to the biggest week in sports. With NFL News 2026 cycles dominated by the potential sale, second-year Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and Seahawks redemption story Sam Darnold find themselves preparing for the game of their lives amidst a media firestorm.
Seahawks Franchise Sale: An $8 Billion Distraction?
According to breaking reports from ESPN and confirmed by multiple league sources, the Seattle Seahawks sale process is set to formally begin days after the confetti falls in Santa Clara. The franchise, held by the Paul G. Allen Trust since the owner’s passing in 2018, has long been the subject of speculation. Now, it appears the timeline has accelerated.
The projected $8 billion valuation would shatter the record set by the Washington Commanders' sale in 2023. For Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald and his squad, the challenge is compartmentalizing the noise. "We are here to play a football game," Macdonald told reporters Monday. "The business of the franchise is for the offseason. Our eyes are on the Lombardi Trophy."
Despite the deflection, the timing is precarious. The team is riding high after a thrilling 31-27 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship, a game that cemented their status as resilient contenders. Whether the ownership rumors will serve as a distraction or a rallying cry remains the week's biggest question.
Patriots vs Seahawks Rematch: Ghosts of Super Bowl XLIX
It has been 11 years since Malcolm Butler’s goal-line interception sealed Super Bowl XLIX for New England, a play that altered the trajectory of both franchises. Super Bowl LX offers a chance to close that circle. While the legendary coaches and quarterbacks of that era have moved on, the institutional memory remains.
The Patriots, champions of the AFC after a gritty 10-7 snow-game victory over the Denver Broncos, have returned to the Super Bowl ahead of schedule. Rebuilding faster than anticipated behind a stingy defense, New England is looking to secure its seventh title. For Seattle, a win would exorcise the demons of 2015 and deliver a second championship to the Emerald City before the ownership torch is passed.
Drake Maye vs. Sam Darnold: A Study in Contrasts
The quarterback matchup features two distinct career arcs. Sam Darnold, leading the Seahawks, has become the league's ultimate redemption story. After a journeyman career with the Jets, Panthers, 49ers, and Vikings, Darnold has found a home in Seattle's system, playing with a poise that eluded him for years.
On the other sideline is Drake Maye, the Patriots' young phenom. In just his second season, Maye has evolved into a legitimate MVP candidate, guiding New England with a maturity beyond his years. His ability to extend plays with his legs was the difference-maker in the AFC title game, though it came at a physical cost.
Drake Maye Injury Update and Team News
Concerns surrounding a Drake Maye injury update have persisted since the AFC Championship game, where the quarterback took several punishing hits from the Broncos' pass rush in freezing conditions. Maye was seen favoring his left shoulder late in that contest, sparking anxiety among the New England fanbase.
However, initial reports from the Patriots' camp in Santa Clara are optimistic. Maye participated in Monday's walkthrough without a visible brace or limp. "I'm feeling 100 percent," Maye insisted during Opening Night media availability. "The extra week of rest was huge. I'll be ready to go on Sunday." The Patriots' medical staff has cleared him for full practice participation, alleviating fears that his mobility—a key asset against Seattle's athletic defense—would be compromised.
Levi's Stadium Events and Halftime Show
As the teams settle in, the Bay Area is buzzing with Levi's Stadium events. The venue, hosting its second Super Bowl, has prepared a week-long festival of football culture. Beyond the game itself, fans are eagerly anticipating the halftime show headlined by global superstar Bad Bunny, promising a high-energy performance that leans heavily on Latin trap rhythms.
With kickoff scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, the stage is set. Will the Sam Darnold Super Bowl narrative end with a ring, or will the Patriots' new era begin with a championship? As the sale rumors swirl, the Seahawks hope to finish this chapter of their history on top of the world.
