The Seattle Seahawks are owned by the Paul G. Allen Trust (often described as the Paul Allen estate). Day-to-day control of the franchise is exercised by Jody Allen, who serves as Chair/Trustee and represents the club at NFL meetings. Paul Allen purchased the team in 1997 and, after his passing in 2018, ownership transferred to his trust, with Jody Allen overseeing the franchise.
Ownership Status of the Seattle Seahawks
| Shareholder / Owner | Ownership Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Paul G. Allen Trust (Paul Allen estate) | 100% | Legal owner of the franchise since 2018; Jody Allen serves as Trustee and club Chair. |
| Vulcan/Vale Group & Vulcan Sports & Entertainment | — | Entities associated with the Allen estate that help manage business operations. Jody Allen is Chair. |
Important context: In July 2022, Jody Allen said the Seahawks were “not for sale right now.” Reporting has noted that Paul Allen’s will provides for eventual sales of his major assets to fund philanthropy, but there’s no set timeline for a Seahawks sale. A state financing clause that would have required sharing 10% of sale proceeds with Washington if sold before May 2024 has expired.
Paul G. Allen Trust (Trustee/Chair: Jody Allen)
Microsoft co-founder Paul G. Allen rescued the Seahawks in 1997, committing to the new stadium project that became Lumen Field. After his 2018 passing, ownership moved to the Paul G. Allen Trust. Jody Allen—Trustee of the trust and long-time business partner in the family’s enterprises—serves as Chair of the Seahawks and oversees the organization’s strategic direction. She also chairs the Trail Blazers and leads the broader Allen family holding companies (now branded Vale Group, formerly Vulcan).
Company Overview
The Seattle Seahawks play in the NFC West and host games at Lumen Field in Seattle. Key leadership today includes Chair Jody Allen, President Chuck Arnold, President of Football Operations/GM John Schneider, and Head Coach Mike Macdonald (hired Jan 31, 2024).
- Founded: 1974 (first season 1976)
- Stadium: Lumen Field
- Notable era change: End of the Pete Carroll era in early 2024; Mike Macdonald named the ninth head coach in club history.
Recent Developments in Ownership
- July 2022: Jody Allen reiterates no sale is imminent; she acts as team chair/trustee following Paul Allen’s passing.
- May 2024: Expiration of a 1997 state financing clause that would have required paying 10% of gross sale proceeds to Washington if the team were sold earlier—considered a key reason any sale would wait until after that date. (No sale has been announced.)
- Aug 2025: Coverage underscores Jody Allen’s trustee role—she casts the Seahawks’ league vote and is expected eventually to sell major assets per Paul Allen’s directives, though timing remains unspecified.
FAQs
Q: Who owns the Seattle Seahawks right now?
The team is owned by the Paul G. Allen Trust, with Jody Allen serving as Chair and Trustee overseeing operations.
Q: Is the team publicly traded or privately owned?
Privately owned via the Allen family trust; there are no public shares.
Q: Will the Seahawks be sold soon?
There is no announced sale. Jody Allen has said the team is not for sale right now; reporting notes any eventual sale would be to fulfill Paul Allen’s philanthropic plans, with no fixed timeline.
Q: Who runs the Seahawks day to day?
President Chuck Arnold leads business operations; John Schneider is President of Football Ops/GM; Mike Macdonald is Head Coach.
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