Seattle Seahawks set for post–Super Bowl 60 sale, igniting race for coveted NFL ownership

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Seattle Seahawks set for post–Super Bowl 60 sale, igniting race for coveted NFL ownership image

Aug 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; General view of a Seattle Seahawks helmet prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

The Seattle Seahawks will be put up for sale after Super Bowl LX, according to ESPN, a move that shifts one of the NFL's most stable franchises into what could become a record-setting ownership transaction and a closely watched league approval process.

League and ownership sources told ESPN that sale discussions have taken place over the past week, ending years of uncertainty following the 2018 death of former owner Paul G. Allen. The team has since been controlled by Allen's estate, with his sister, Jody Allen, serving as its executor. Allen directed that his sports holdings be sold over time, with the proceeds donated to philanthropy.

Neither the NFL nor the Seahawks publicly commented, according to ESPN. The timing is notable. A post-Super Bowl listing would mark the first time in the Super Bowl era that a participating franchise is formally put on the market shortly after the championship game.

Seahawks sale ignites talks of newest ownership 

From a business standpoint, the focus now turns to valuation and buyers.

Sportico values the Seahawks at $6.59 billion, but one team executive told ESPN the club could command between $7 billion and $8 billion in a sale, especially coming off a Super Bowl appearance. The most recent NFL franchise sale was the Washington Commanders at $6.05 billion in 2023, a record at the time.

Several ultra-wealthy individuals and groups are already being floated as potential bidders if the price reaches that range. The most frequently and credibly linked name is Jeff Bezos, who previously explored buying an NFL team and has shown past interest in Seattle. A Bezos-led group could also take advantage of the league's rule allowing approved private equity firms to own up to 10% of a franchise.

MORE: Seattle Seahawks set to sell, Jeff Bezos could seize the moment

Other names tied through media and regional speculation include Steve Ballmer, Howard Schultz, and Bill Gates. More speculative scenarios include sovereign-wealth-backed investors or even a bid involving Elon Musk, though no formal interest has been reported.

Any buyer would still need approval from NFL ownership. New controlling owners require a three-fourths vote. Influential figures such as Jerry Jones and Robert Kraft do not decide sales alone; both carry significant weight within ownership circles and league committees. Regardless of bid size, alignment with existing ownership standards and relationships will matter.

Between the price tag, bidder pool, and approval dynamics, the Seahawks' sale is positioned to become one of the most consequential sports business stories of the year.

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