Seattle Seahawks to Be Sold in Record-Breaking $9.6 Billion Deal
58 minutes ago
The Seattle Seahawks are set to become the most expensive sports franchise ever sold, with the estate of late Microsoft co-founder Paul G. Allen agreeing to sell the NFL team to the Vinod Khosla family in a deal reportedly worth US$9.612 billion.
The transaction, which remains subject to approval by NFL owners, is expected to be reviewed at the league’s meeting in late August. If approved, it will surpass the US$6.05 billion sale of the Washington Commanders in 2023, setting a new benchmark for franchise valuations in the NFL.
In a statement released by the Seahawks, Vinod Khosla said: “We are honoured to be entrusted as the next stewards of the Seattle Seahawks. We look forward to building on the winning legacy Paul Allen created and to earning the trust of the Seahawks organisation and fans everywhere.”
According to information shared with NFL clubs, Neeru Khosla will serve as the controlling owner of the franchise, while Neal Khosla is expected to play a significant leadership role within the ownership group.
The sale follows a competitive bidding process managed by investment bank Allen & Co., with the Khosla family emerging as the preferred buyer from several qualified bidders.
The ownership group currently holds a minority stake in the San Francisco 49ers, which will need to be divested in accordance with NFL ownership regulations before the transaction can be completed.
In a memo circulated to league owners, the NFL confirmed that Commissioner Roger Goodell and league officials have been engaged with the prospective ownership group and have initiated the customary due diligence and review of transaction documents. The Finance Committee will assess the proposed sale before presenting it to NFL owners for a final vote.
The Seahawks have been owned by Paul Allen’s estate since his passing in 2018. Allen purchased the franchise in 1997 for approximately US$200 million, helping secure the team’s future in Seattle before overseeing one of the most successful periods in franchise history, including a Super Bowl XLVIII victory in 2014.
If approved, the acquisition will mark one of the largest transactions in global sports history and further underline the continued rise in valuations of premium sports franchises.