The Seattle Seahawks will soon have a new owner. But what does that mean for the team? And will the Seahawks soon be playing in a new city?

Less than two weeks after winning Super Bowl LX, the Seattle Seahawks have begun the process of selling the team. Paul G. Allen’s company, which has managed the team since the death of owner Paul Allen in 2018, announced the sale on February 18, 2026.

Why are the Seahawks being sold after their Super Bowl victory?

The sale is in line with the last will and testament of Paul Allen, who died in 2018. Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, had stipulated that his sports holdings — including the Seahawks and the Portland Trail Blazers of the NBA — be sold and the proceeds donated to philanthropic causes.

The timing immediately after the Super Bowl victory (29-13 win over the New England Patriots) was planned to start the sale after the expiration of a clause in the stadium contract. This clause would have previously paid ten percent of the proceeds to the state of Washington.

The sale is therefore not a reaction to the title win, but part of a long-term strategy. Even if the Hawks had lost in the divisional round, they would still have been sold.

How much money will the sale of the Seattle Seahawks bring in?

The Seahawks are considered one of the most valuable NFL franchises. Current estimates put the sale price at between seven and eight billion US dollars, with some experts even predicting nine to eleven billion.

Forbes valued the team at $6.7 billion in August 2025 (ranked 14th in the NFL). The Super Bowl victory could increase the value by up to 25 percent, comparable to previous cases such as the Philadelphia Eagles. Paul Allen acquired the team in 1997 for $194 million, a huge increase in value.

Will the Seahawks become the most expensive team in NFL history?

The sale of the Seahawks is expected to break the record for the most expensive NFL team sale. The current record is $6.05 billion for the Washington Commanders in 2023.

Experts expect the Seahawks to fetch a price “north of seven billion,” which would make the sale not only the most expensive in NFL history, but potentially one of the most valuable sports team deals ever. This is the first sale of a team immediately after a Super Bowl victory, which further increases its value.

Seahawks sale: What will happen to the money?

All proceeds from the sale will go to philanthropic projects, as stipulated in Paul Allen’s will. It was emphasized that not a single cent will go to the family, but rather everything will be used for charitable purposes. This is a legacy that Allen explicitly established.

A similar approach was taken with the Trail Blazers, which were sold for over four billion dollars. The sale is being handled by Allen & Company and Latham & Watkins and is expected to be completed by the end of the 2026 offseason.

Will the Seahawks now leave Seattle?

A move by the Seahawks is unlikely. The team has a lease on Lumen Field through 2031 or 2032, and there are no indications of plans to relocate. Allen had also specified this in his will.

Experts emphasize that the sale will not affect day-to-day operations and that the new owner is likely to remain in Seattle, as the stadium is being modernized (among other things, for the 2026 World Cup) and the fan base is strong. Speculation about a move, e.g., to Oklahoma City, is dismissed as unrealistic as long as the lease is in effect.