The NFL world was rocked on Friday by swirling rumors about the potential sale of the Seattle Seahawks, raising immediate and urgent questions about the storied franchise's ownership future just days before the spectacle of Super Bowl LX. A report from ESPN, citing sources, suggested that the Seahawks could be placed on the market after the current season concludes, sending shockwaves through the league and the passionate Pacific Northwest fanbase.
Allen Estate Issues Firm Denial Amid Speculation
What followed the initial report was a swift and pointed rebuttal from the Paul G. Allen Estate. While acknowledging that the late Paul Allen's will does mandate the eventual sale of his major assets, which includes the Seahawks, the estate was emphatic that this process is not imminent. In a clear statement issued on Friday afternoon, a spokesperson declared, "We don't comment on rumors or speculation, and the team is not for sale."
The spokesperson further clarified the estate's position, adding, "We've already said that will change at some point per Paul's wishes, but I have no news to share. Our focus right now is winning the Super Bowl and completing the sale of (Allen's NBA) Portland Trail Blazers in the coming months." This context is crucial, as the Trail Blazers entered a formal sales process in September 2025 and are expected to command a price of up to $4.25 billion, representing a massive undertaking in itself.
Valuation and Timing Add to the Intrigue
The ESPN report, authored by Seth Wickersham and Brady Henderson, indicated that the Seahawks could be placed on the market shortly after Super Bowl LX, which is scheduled for February 8th. This claim later gained additional weight when The Wall Street Journal corroborated the story, citing individuals familiar with the matter who believe a sale process could commence once the NFL season ends.
Given the Seahawks' estimated valuation of a staggering $7 to $8 billion, the financial implications and timing of any potential sale are monumental. Estate officials have previously indicated that the process of selling Allen's vast portfolio of assets could span a decade or two, not merely months, further underscoring their current stance against immediate action.
A Legacy of Success and Future Uncertainty
The questions, however, continue to linger in the background. Paul Allen purchased the Seahawks in 1997 for $200 million and presided over the most successful era in the franchise's history. The team currently plays its home games at Lumen Field under a lease agreement that extends through 2031, with options for renewal stretching decades into the future.
Jody Allen, who now serves as the chair of the franchise, recently lifted the George Halas Trophy on the Lumen Field stage—a powerful symbol of continuity and ambition amidst the swirling rumors of change. Whether a sale process begins in the aftermath of Super Bowl LX or several years from now, one definitive fact remains settled: the Seahawks will eventually change hands.
When that historic moment finally arrives, it will mark the conclusion of an ownership era that fundamentally reshaped professional football in Seattle and left an indelible mark on the NFL landscape. For now, the focus, as stated by the estate, remains firmly on championship aspirations and the completion of existing major transactions.
