NFL owners approve $9.6 billion sale of Seahawks to Khosla family

The National Football League gave its unanimous approval on Wednesday for the Khosla family to acquire the Seattle Seahawks for $9.612 billion, the highest price ever paid for an NFL franchise. The vote took place at a special owners’ meeting held at the Atlanta Airport Marriott and is expected to be finalized within the next two weeks, shortly before the team’s season opener on Sept. 9.

Commissioner Roger Goodell said the new owners will be “outstanding caretakers of the Seattle Seahawks and the organization and the great partnership they have with their community.” The Khosla group, led by Vinod and Neeru Khosla and their son Neal, reached a purchase agreement with the Allen Estate in July, surpassing the previous record set by the 2023 sale of the Washington Commanders.

Vinod Khosla thanked Jody Allen and the Allen Trust, describing the acquisition as a “gift” and emphasizing the family’s intention to maintain the team’s success and long-term focus. He noted the Seahawks’ lease at Lumen Field runs through 2031 with additional options, and said the venue is “iconic” and integral to the franchise’s brand.

Goodell confirmed there is no clause in the deal that would affect the team’s future in Seattle, stating that the transaction is a standard ownership transition subject to due-diligence. The league’s finance and ownership policy committee had previously recommended approval, making the vote largely procedural.

The Khosla family will become the fourth ownership group in the franchise’s 51-year history. Vinod Khosla, a venture-capitalist and co-founder of Sun Microsystems, highlighted his long-standing interest in football and ties to the Seattle tech community as factors in the purchase. Neal Khosla is expected to assume a significant leadership role within the organization, though specific responsibilities have not yet been disclosed.