Seattle Seahawks put up for sale by Paul Allen estate following Super Bowl win

The Seattle Seahawks have been officially put up for sale by the estate of late owner Paul Allen, shortly after the franchise secured its second Super Bowl title.

Allen’s estate confirmed on Wednesday that the formal process to sell the NFL team has commenced.

The decision aligns with the Microsoft co-founder’s long-standing directive to eventually divest his sports holdings to fund charitable causes.

Sale process underway

Investment bank Allen & Company has been retained to lead the transaction alongside law firm Latham & Watkins.

Negotiations are estimated to continue throughout the offseason as prospective buyers submit bids.

Any final purchase agreement will require formal ratification by fellow NFL owners before the transfer of power is complete.

A philanthropic legacy

The NFC West club has been under the stewardship of the Allen family since 1997.

Paul Allen originally purchased the team for $194m (£153m) from Ken Behring, a move that prevented a potential relocation.

Following his death in 2018 from complications of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, ownership duties were assumed by his sister, Jody.

Proceeds from the impending sale will be directed entirely toward philanthropy, consistent with the late owner’s estate planning.

This move follows a similar strategy with the estate’s other assets.

In September, an agreement was reached to sell the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers to an investment group led by Tom Dundon.