Seattle Seahawks sold for record $9.6 billion to Vinod Khosla group

NFL owners have given the green light to a $9.612 billion purchase of the Seattle Seahawks by a group headed by billionaire Vinod Khosla. The transaction, which required approval from at least 24 of the 32 league owners, is the second-most expensive franchise sale in North American sports, trailing only the $10 billion deal for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2025. The estate of Paul G. Allen, which inherited the team after the Microsoft co-founder’s death in 2018, reached an agreement with the Khosla family on July 11 following a search for a new owner.

Khosla, who must divest a minority stake in the San Francisco 49ers as part of the deal, said at a press conference that the priority is to maintain the team’s recent success and aim for another Super Bowl. He added that his approach will be “long-term focused” and that he expects to learn from the existing management and other owners.

The sale follows the $6.05 billion transfer of the Washington Commanders in 2023. Paul Allen had purchased the Seahawks in 1997 to keep the franchise in Seattle, and after his death his sister Jody Allen oversaw the team and the Portland Trail Blazers, with a directive to eventually sell both and donate the proceeds to charity. Under the Allen family’s stewardship, the Seahawks reached the playoffs 17 times in 29 seasons and won two Super Bowls.