Seattle Seahawks Agree Record US$9.61 Billion Sale

The estate of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen has reached an agreement to sell the Seattle Seahawks to an ownership group led by technology entrepreneur Vinod Khosla and his wife, Neeru Khosla, in a transaction valued at approximately US$9.61 billion.

The deal represents the highest valuation ever achieved for an NFL franchise, surpassing the previous record of US$6.05 billion paid for the Washington Commanders in 2023.

The transaction remains subject to approval by NFL owners, with at least 24 of the league's 32 owners required to vote in favour before the sale can be completed. A vote is expected to take place later this year.

Paul Allen purchased the Seahawks in 1997 for US$194 million, preventing the franchise from relocating and helping secure its long-term future in Seattle. Following Allen's death in 2018, ownership transferred to his estate, which has been overseen by his sister, Jody Allen.

The sale follows Allen's long-standing wishes that his assets should eventually be sold, with proceeds directed towards philanthropic initiatives identified by his estate.

Vinod Khosla is the co-founder of Sun Microsystems and founder of venture capital firm Khosla Ventures. Under NFL ownership rules, the Khosla family is expected to divest its existing minority interest in the San Francisco 49ers before completing the acquisition.

The Seahawks will continue to play at Lumen Field under their existing long-term stadium agreement, with no changes announced to the franchise's operations or location.

The transaction further underlines the continued growth in professional sports franchise valuations, with NFL teams remaining among the most valuable assets in global sport.