The Seattle Seahawks are set to change hands after the estate of the late Paul Allen reached a formal agreement to sell the franchise to an ownership group led by the Khosla family. The deal, valued at approximately $9.612 billion, marks the highest price ever paid for an NFL team. This transaction follows a competitive sales process and represents a significant milestone for the league, which has seen franchise valuations climb steadily in recent years. The sale is currently subject to customary league review and approval by NFL owners.
Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft, purchased the Seahawks in 1997 and owned the team until his death in 2018. Following his passing, the team was managed by his estate, with his sister Jody Allen overseeing operations. The sale of the Seahawks was a long-anticipated move, as the estate’s terms required the eventual divestment of the team and the Portland Trail Blazers. The Blazers have already been sold, and the Seahawks’ transition marks the final step in this process.
The purchasing group is led by venture capitalist Vinod Khosla, his wife Neeru Khosla, and their son Neal Khosla. While Vinod Khosla is a well-known figure in the technology sector and a current limited partner in the San Francisco 49ers, league rules will require him to divest his stake in the 49ers to avoid a conflict of interest. According to reports, Neeru Khosla is expected to serve as the controlling owner of the Seahawks, with Neal Khosla also slated to take on a significant leadership role.
The NFL has reportedly scheduled a special meeting for August 26, where team owners are expected to vote on the transaction. Approval requires a favorable vote from at least 24 of the 32 league owners. If the deal receives the necessary support, the Khosla family will officially take control of the franchise, potentially in time for the start of the 2026 season. The proceeds from the sale are designated for charitable causes, consistent with the mission of the Paul G. Allen Estate.