Seattle Seahawks.
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On Wednesday, February 18, the Seattle Seahawks formally announced major news about the future of the franchise.
It’s the news Seattle Seahawks followers have been bracing to hear. On Wednesday, February 18, the team formally announced major news about the future of the franchise, just over a week after winning Super Bowl LX.
“The Estate of Paul G. Allen today announced it has commenced a formal sale process for the Seattle Seahawks NFL franchise, consistent with Allen’s directive to eventually sell his sports holdings and direct all Estate proceeds to philanthropy,” the team shared on their official website.
“The Estate has selected investment bank Allen & Company and law firm Latham & Watkins to lead the sale process,” the statement continued, “which is estimated to continue through the 2026 off-season. NFL owners must then ratify a final purchase agreement.”
History of the Sale of the Seattle Seahawks
The news isn’t a total shock, since it was reported by ESPN back in January that the team would be for sale following Super Bowl LX.
“The Seattle Seahawks will go up for sale after Super Bowl LX, league and ownership sources familiar with the arrangement told ESPN, ending years of questions about when the team would seek new ownership following the 2018 death of former owner Paul G. Allen,” ESPN said in a January 30 feature.
They added that sale discussions have already taken place at ownership and league levels.
But, in that same report, the team pushed back on those ideas. “In a statement, a spokesperson for the Paul G. Allen estate said the organization doesn’t comment on rumors or speculation and that ‘the team is not for sale,'” ESPN said at the time.
“We’ve already said that will change at some point per Paul’s wishes, but I have no news to share,” the spokesperson’s statement said, according to ESPN. “Our focus right now is winning the Super Bowl and completing the sale of the Portland Trail Blazers in the coming months.”
Reaction to the Seattle Seahawks Sale
Even if they knew it was coming, Seahawks followers are a bit surprised and voicing their thoughts on the impending sale. They’re also thanking the current ownership for their hard work to get the team another Super Bowl win.
“Thank you to Paul and Jody Allen for saving the Seahawks,” one said on X. “I would like to offer first and foremost my heart and soul alongside the princely sum of $1 dollar to continue the incredible work the Allen family have done,” another said, with a funny post.
“Please stay in Seattle,” another said. “Please just sell it to an owner who cares about Seattle and lets John and Mike do their thing,” one more added.
“Hopefully it goes to someone who will put as much time, effort, and care into the team that Paul did,” one follower said on Instagram, adding that they hope the team stays in Seattle.
“Thank you Paul and Jody for saving the Seahawks and giving us 25-plus years of good football,” another said.
So, now, the Seattle Seahawks wait to see how will be their new owner. It’s a bittersweet time, going from a Super Bowl win to selling the franchise, but fingers-crossed a good owner will pick it up.