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NFL owners unanimously approve the sale of the Seahawks to Vinod Khosla and his family

PUBLISHED Aug 26, 2026, 4:04 PM ET

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NFL owners unanimously approved the $9.612 billion sale of the Seattle Seahawks to an ownership group led by Vinod Khosla on Wednesday, Aug. 26, in Atlanta, completing league approval of the record-setting transaction. The agreement, announced July 11, transfers the franchise from the estate of late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, whose sister Jody Allen had overseen the team since his 2018 death. The Seahawks entered the transition as defending Super Bowl champions after beating New England 29-13 in February. Khosla’s wife, Neeru, is expected to serve as controlling owner, while their son Neal is expected to hold a significant leadership role. The family must relinquish its minority stake in the San Francisco 49ers because the clubs are NFC West rivals. The transaction is expected to close separately, with reports pointing to September. The sale establishes an NFL record and begins a new ownership era for Seattle after decades under Allen.

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On 1974, Seattle Seahawks entered NFL as an expansion franchise.
On 1997, Paul Allen purchased Seahawks, keeping them in Seattle.
On 2018, Paul Allen died, leaving Seahawks under estate control.
On February 18, 2026, Allen estate announced Seahawks sale process.
In February 2026, Seahawks defeated Patriots 29-13, capturing Super Bowl.
On July 11, 2026, Khosla family agreement became publicly announced.
On August 20, 2026, NFL committees unanimously recommended transaction approval.
On August 26, 2026, NFL owners unanimously approved Seahawks sale.
In September 2026, transaction is expected to formally close soon.
During 2026 season, Khosla family will oversee defending champions’ operations.
Over coming years, Seahawks ownership may potentially pursue technology upgrades.
Long term, record valuation may influence future NFL franchise sales.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: NFL ownership record highlights rising franchise values across American sports.
Possible long-term US impact: Record transaction may raise benchmarks for future NFL franchise sales.
Most affected groups: Seattle fans, Seahawks employees, NFL owners, local businesses, and investors.
Reader priority: Prioritize official NFL, Seahawks, and independently reported transaction-closing updates carefully.