Paul Allen’s estate controls the Seattle Seahawks through a complex trust structure. The Paul G. Allen Trust owns the team, with Jody Allen, Paul’s sister, serving as trustee since his death in 2018. But this arrangement won’t last forever, as the estate prepares to sell.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Current Owner: Paul G. Allen Trust, with Jody Allen as trustee and chair
- Purchase Date: Paul Allen bought the Seahawks in 1997 for approximately $194 million
- Ownership Transfer: Following Paul Allen’s death in October 2018, his sister Jody took control per his directives
- Coming Sale: The team will go up for sale after Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026, per ESPN sources
Who Owns the Seattle Seahawks Today?
World Baseball Classic 2026 bracket revealed: which teams advance and when to watch
World Cup 2026: three teams set to inherit Iran’s qualification spot
The Paul G. Allen Trust technically owns the Seattle Seahawks, but Jody Allen controls them as trustee. Paul Allen, the Microsoft co-founder, purchased the franchise in 1997 for $194 million. He died on October 10, 2018, at age 65 from complications of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. When he passed, his $20 billion estate transferred to his sister.
Jody assumed the role of executor and trustee according to Paul’s explicit instructions. She became chair of the Seahawks and has made major franchise decisions, including firing legendary coach Pete Carroll after the 2023 season. She then elevated general manager John Schneider and hired Mike Macdonald as head coach, leading to a 14-win season and Super Bowl LX appearance.
How Did This Ownership Structure Happen?
Caitlin Clark powers Team USA to dominant win over Senegal in FIBA World Cup qualifier opener
USA moves into WBC quarterfinals after Italy stuns Mexico
Paul Allen purchased the Seahawks in 1996 and completed the deal in 1997 from previous owner Ken Behring. According to ESPN, this acquisition saved the team from potential relocation to Southern California. Allen remained the sole owner for 21 years until October 2018.
Upon Paul’s death, his entire estate, including the Seahawks and Portland Trail Blazers, passed to Jody. Unlike typical team sales, this created a unique situation where an individual trustee rather than a single billionaire directly owns the team. This structure has created complications with NFL ownership rules, which require an individual controlling owner.
Seahawks Ownership: Then and Now
| Aspect | Details |
| Current Ownership Entity | Paul G. Allen Trust (Estate) |
| Controlling Owner | Jody Allen, Trustee and Chair |
| Franchise Value | $6.59 billion to $6.7 billion |
| Expected Sale Price | $7 billion to $8 billion |
The ownership transition created an unconventional setup rarely seen in the NFL. Jody inherited not just the Seahawks but also the Trail Blazers basketball team. Paul’s will contained specific instructions to sell both franchises and donate all proceeds to charity causes. In September 2025, the estate agreed to sell the Trail Blazers to Tom Dundon, the Carolina Hurricanes owner, for over $4 billion.
“I’m incredibly proud to be standing here today and accepting this on behalf of all the 12s here, all the 12s across the country and all the 12s across the globe.”
— Jody Allen, Seahawks Chair, NFC Championship Game
What Prompted the Sale Timeline?
The NFL has reportedly pressured the estate to finalize a sale. League rules require an individual to be the controlling owner, creating complications with an estate holding the franchise. According to reports, the Seahawks were fined $5 million for ownership noncompliance. ESPN sources revealed that Super Bowl LX marks the official trigger for listing the team.
Jody Allen released a statement in July 2022 confirming that neither team was for sale at that moment but acknowledged both would eventually be sold. She noted that estates this large can take 10 to 20 years to wind down. The recent pressure and the Trail Blazers sale momentum accelerated the Seahawks timeline significantly.
What Happens Next to Team Ownership?
Once the Seahawks formally go on the market after Super Bowl LX, prospective billionaire buyers will compete for the franchise. ESPN sources suggest the team could fetch $7 billion to $8 billion, potentially setting a record for NFL franchise sales. The Washington Commanders sold to Josh Harris in 2023 for $6.05 billion, so the Seahawks sale would exceed that benchmark.
Proceeds from the sale will fund Paul Allen’s philanthropic legacy. The Vulcan Legacy, aligned with his charitable vision, will receive the capital. Jody has demonstrated strong stewardship, maintaining playoff success despite the ownership transition. Mike Macdonald praised her commitment to winning during the hiring process. Will the franchise’s new ownership maintain this competitive momentum or shift direction?
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.