Seattle Seahawks Sale Rumors Spark Sharp Response From Paul Allen Estate
Rumors about the potential sale of the Seattle Seahawks made headlines on Friday, raising urgent questions about the franchise's ownership future just days before Super Bowl LX. ESPN reported that the Seahawks could be put up for sale after the current season concludes, a claim that instantly reverberated across the NFL and throughout the Pacific Northwest region.
High-Stakes Valuation and Immediate Pushback
Given the team's estimated valuation of $7 to $8 billion, the timing and implications of such a sale could not be more significant. What followed the initial report was swift and pointed resistance from the Paul G. Allen Estate. While Paul Allen's will clearly mandates the eventual sale of his major assets, including the Seahawks, the estate insists the process is not imminent.
With championship ambitions still alive and another major sports franchise sale already underway, the estate says its priorities lie elsewhere for the foreseeable future.
Media Reports and Official Denial
The report from ESPN's Seth Wickersham and Brady Henderson suggested the Seahawks would be placed on the market shortly after Super Bowl LX, which is scheduled for February 8th. The Wall Street Journal later added weight to that claim, citing people familiar with the matter who believe a sale process could begin once the NFL season officially ends.
The Allen Estate pushed back hard against these rumors. A spokesperson issued a clear statement on Friday afternoon:
"We don't comment on rumors or speculation, and the team is not for sale. 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."
The Trail Blazers Sale Context
That context matters significantly. The Portland Trail Blazers entered a formal sales process in September 2025 and are expected to fetch up to $4.25 billion. Completing that transaction alone represents a massive undertaking for the estate.
Estate officials have previously acknowledged that selling Allen's extensive assets could take 10 to 20 years, not merely months. This timeline suggests any Seahawks sale would follow a deliberate, long-term strategy rather than an immediate fire sale.
Historical Legacy and Future Uncertainty
Still, questions about the Seahawks' future continue to linger. Paul Allen purchased the Seahawks in 1997 for $200 million and oversaw the most successful era in franchise history. The team currently plays at Lumen Field under a lease that runs through 2031, with extension options stretching decades beyond that date.
Jody Allen, now chair of the franchise, recently lifted the George Halas Trophy on the Lumen Field stage—a powerful reminder of continuity amid the swirling uncertainty about ownership transitions.
Inevitable Change on the Horizon
Whether a sale begins after Super Bowl LX or years from now, one fact remains settled: The Seahawks will eventually change hands. When that moment finally arrives, it will mark the end of an ownership era that fundamentally reshaped professional football in Seattle and left an indelible mark on the NFL landscape.
The coming weeks and months will reveal whether the current rumors were premature or prescient, but for now, the Allen Estate maintains its focus on competitive success and completing existing business before addressing the Seahawks' long-term ownership future.
