NFL team owners have officially cleared the path for a new era in Seattle, voting unanimously on Wednesday to approve the $9.612 billion sale of the Seahawks. The decision, reached during a league meeting held at the Atlanta Airport Marriott, confirms the transfer of ownership from the estate of the late Paul Allen to a consortium spearheaded by
The transaction, which was initially agreed upon in July, required the support of at least 24 of the league's 32 owners to proceed. With the unanimous vote, the sale is set to become the most expensive acquisition in NFL history, surpassing the $6.05 billion paid for the Washington Commanders in 2023. As part of the conditions for the purchase, Khosla is required to divest his existing stake in the San Francisco 49ers.
Transition of Ownership and Legacy
The sale marks the conclusion of a process that began in February 2025, when the Paul G. Allen estate initiated the formal sale of the franchise in accordance with the Microsoft co-founder's will. Paul Allen had originally purchased the team in 1997, famously preventing the franchise from relocating to Southern California. Following his death in 2018, his sister, Jody Allen, assumed control of the Seahawks and the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers with a mandate to sell both assets, with proceeds directed toward philanthropic efforts.
Under the stewardship of the Allen family, the Seahawks experienced a significant period of success, securing 268 regular-season victories—the fifth-highest total in the league during that 29-season span. The team reached the playoffs 17 times and made four Super Bowl appearances, winning two titles. The sale of the Trail Blazers was previously finalized in March.
The New Ownership Group
Vinod Khosla, the 71-year-old co-founder of Sun Microsystems and founder of the venture capital firm Khosla Ventures, will lead the new ownership group alongside his wife, Neeru, and their son, Neal. While the full composition of the limited partners remains undisclosed, the group's entry into the NFL marks a significant shift for the Seahawks organization.
Although the sale has received league approval, the team will not officially change hands until the transaction formally closes. This transition is expected to be completed before the Seahawks kick off their season on September 9 against the New England Patriots. The upcoming game serves as a notable rematch of the Super Bowl LX contest held on February 8.
