The Seattle Seahawks, still basking in the glow of their second Super Bowl championship, are now at the center of the biggest offseason story in the NFL. On February 18, the Estate of Paul G. Allen announced it has commenced a formal sale process for the franchise, a move consistent with the late co-founder of Microsoft's directive to eventually sell his sports holdings and direct all proceeds to philanthropy.

The timing is remarkable. Less than two weeks earlier, on February 8 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, the Seahawks dismantled the New England Patriots 29-13 in Super Bowl LX. Running back Kenneth Walker III delivered a masterclass performance, rushing for 135 yards on 27 carries to earn Super Bowl MVP honors, becoming the first running back to claim the award since Terrell Davis did it for the Denver Broncos in 1998.

Seattle's defense was equally dominant, racking up six sacks and two interceptions against Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, who finished with 295 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two costly picks. Kicker Jason Myers etched his name into the record books with five field goals, an NFL Super Bowl record. Quarterback Sam Darnold managed the game efficiently, throwing for 202 yards and a touchdown in what was a complete team victory for Seattle.

Now, with the Lombardi Trophy secured, the franchise's future ownership is the pressing question. The estate has selected investment bank Allen and Company along with law firm Latham and Watkins to lead the sale process, which is expected to continue through the 2026 offseason. Any final purchase agreement will require ratification from NFL owners.

Industry analysts expect the sale to shatter existing records. The Washington Commanders sold for $6.05 billion in 2023, setting the current benchmark for NFL franchise transactions. Experts project the Seahawks could command between $7 billion and $8 billion, buoyed by their fresh championship pedigree, the lucrative Pacific Northwest market, and the ever-increasing valuations of professional sports franchises.

Jody Allen, Paul Allen's sister, has overseen the Seahawks and the Portland Trail Blazers as chair of the estate since Paul Allen's death in 2018. His will stipulated that both teams would eventually be sold, with all proceeds channeled toward philanthropic causes, continuing his legacy of charitable giving.

The sale adds another layer of intrigue to an already eventful NFL offseason. The league is buzzing with activity as teams prepare for the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, set to take place February 26 through March 1 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Free agency opens on March 9, and several high-profile players are poised to hit the market, including Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans, who has announced his intention to explore free agency after deciding to continue playing.

Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs have been busy restructuring Patrick Mahomes' contract, converting $54.45 million of his 2026 salary into a signing bonus to create $43.56 million in cap space. The move signals the Chiefs' determination to remain competitive after falling short of another title run.

For now, Seattle stands alone atop the football world. But whoever ultimately purchases the franchise will inherit not just a championship roster, but one of the most valuable properties in all of professional sports. The Seahawks' next chapter is about to be written by a new owner, and the price of admission will be nothing short of historic.