NFL Owners Approve Record $9.6B Seattle Seahawks Sale to Khosla Family

NFL Owners Approve Record $9.6B Seattle Seahawks Sale to Khosla Family

The Seattle Seahawks have officially entered a new era of ownership after NFL team owners unanimously approved a historic, record-breaking franchise sale. During a special one-day league meeting in Atlanta on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, owners voted 32-0 to ratify the $9.612 billion sale of the Seahawks from the estate of Paul G. Allen to a group led by venture capitalist Vinod Khosla.

The transaction represents the highest purchase price ever paid for an NFL franchise, far eclipsing the $6.05 billion sale of the Washington Commanders in 2023. Vinod Khosla, the co-founder of Sun Microsystems and founder of Khosla Ventures, will serve as the controlling owner alongside his wife, Neeru, and their son, Neal.

Vinod Khosla expressed humility and excitement at a press conference following the vote:

"As Roger said, it's pretty simple when the team is one functioning as well as it is today. How often do you get to buy a franchise that just won the Super Bowl? So we are incredibly lucky and humbled by this gift, I would say, from the Allen Trust."

He added regarding the family's long-term philosophy:

"The task ahead is actually pretty simple -- keep the winning streak alive, get another Super Bowl. That simple. In general, our approach is generally going to be long-term focused. That's our inclination always. So, keep winning, take a long-term approach and learn a lot. We don't know enough."

As part of the agreement, Khosla must relinquish his 3.1% limited partner stake in the San Francisco 49ers, which he purchased in 2025.¹ The sale officially closes a 29-year chapter of Allen family stewardship, which began when Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen purchased the franchise in 1997 to prevent its relocation. All proceeds from the multi-billion dollar sale will go to philanthropy, in accordance with Allen's will.

The transaction is expected to officially close before the Seahawks open their regular season on September 9, 2026, in a highly anticipated Super Bowl LX rematch against the New England Patriots.