NFL owners have unanimously approved the sale of the Seattle Seahawks for a record-breaking price of $9.612 billion. The transaction, led by the Khosla family, was finalized during a special meeting held on Wednesday in Atlanta. This sale marks a significant milestone in NFL history, reflecting the increasing value of professional sports franchises.
The sale, which needed approval by at least 24 of 32 owners, was expected after the NFL’s finance and ownership policy committees voted unanimously last week to recommend ratification. Vinod Khosla, 71, is a venture capitalist and a limited partner of the San Francisco 49ers buying 3.1% of the franchise in 2025 at a more than $8.5 billion valuation, per ESPN. 9 against the New England Patriots, the team they defeated 29-13 last February for the title.
“How often do you get to buy a franchise that just won the Super Bowl?
Khosla said Wednesday, standing with his co-owners, wife Neeru and son Neal Khosla. “We are incredibly lucky and humbled by this gift, I would say, from the Allen trust.”
He will have to relinquish his stake in that team as part of the agreement to buy the Seahawks, as the transaction could close before the defending Super Bowl champions open the season Sept.
Record Franchise Sale: Seahawks Transition to New Ownership
The estate of Paul G. Allen has finalized the sale of the Seattle Seahawks to the Khosla family, marking a significant milestone in NFL history. This transaction, agreed upon on July 11, follows Allen’s will, which mandated the team’s sale and the distribution of assets to various charities after his death in 2018.
The sale price sets an NFL record for a franchise, contributing to the second-highest valuation in North American sports history. Previously, the Los Angeles Lakers were sold for $10 billion last year, with a current valuation of $12.5 billion as Bob Iger and Josh Kushner seek to acquire a majority stake from Mark Walter.
Paul Allen initially purchased the Seahawks for $194 million in 1997 from Ken Behring, playing a crucial role in keeping the team in Seattle. Allen, a Microsoft co-founder, also owned the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers. Following his passing, his sister Jody Allen took on ownership responsibilities for the estate.
In a related move, a group led by Tom Dundon, owner of the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, completed the acquisition of the Portland Trail Blazers from Allen’s estate for $4.25 billion on March 31. The Dundon group has committed to maintaining the team’s presence in Portland as part of the sale agreement.
