Seattle Seahawks Officially Listed for Sale Following Super Bowl Triumph
The Estate of Paul G. Allen made a landmark announcement on February 18, 2026, confirming that the Seattle Seahawks are officially on the market. This decision ends years of speculation and aligns with the late Microsoft co-founder's final wishes, as outlined in his will from 2018. Paul Allen's estate is mandated to sell his professional sports teams, including the Seahawks and the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers, with all proceeds directed toward his extensive philanthropic initiatives.
Perfect Timing with Record-Breaking Valuation
The announcement came just ten days after the Seahawks clinched Super Bowl LX with a decisive 29–13 victory over the New England Patriots. This championship win has significantly boosted the team's market value, positioning it at an all-time high. Industry experts project that the final sale price could range between $7 billion and $10 billion, which would set a new record as the most expensive sports team ever sold globally. The "Super Bowl bump" has created an ideal scenario for the estate to maximize returns while fulfilling Paul Allen's charitable legacy.
Jeff Bezos Withdraws from Ownership Consideration
For years, Jeff Bezos was widely speculated to be the frontrunner for purchasing the Seahawks, given his deep ties to Seattle and immense financial capacity. However, recent reports confirm that Bezos has explicitly ruled himself out of the bidding process. According to journalist Dylan Byers, Bezos is currently "uninterested" in pursuing the team. Several factors contribute to this decision:
- Amazon holds exclusive broadcasting rights for Thursday Night Football, creating a potential conflict of interest if its founder owned an NFL team.
- Bezos recently relocated his primary residence to Miami, indicating a shift away from Seattle-centric ventures.
- He may be focusing on other projects, such as space exploration or yachting, or holding out for a different sports franchise opportunity.
Legal Mandate and Philanthropic Focus
This sale is not driven by a desire to exit the sports business but is a legal requirement under Paul Allen's will. Since his passing in 2018, his sister, Jody Allen, has overseen the Seahawks' operations. The team's recent Super Bowl success provided the perfect opportunity to execute the sale, ensuring that the proceeds will fund philanthropic causes as intended. The estate emphasizes that this move honors Paul Allen's vision of using his wealth for global betterment.
Search for a New Owner Under NFL Regulations
With Jeff Bezos out of contention, the search intensifies for a billionaire who can meet the NFL's stringent ownership criteria. Potential candidates include figures like Steve Ballmer, owner of the LA Clippers, and Larry Ellison, but the league requires a single "control owner" to hold at least a 30% stake. The sale process is expected to span the entire 2026 offseason, during which the Seahawks will remain the reigning NFL champions, awaiting new leadership to guide them into their next era.
