First-round bids for the NFL's Seattle Seahawks were due on Monday, July 1, as the team's sale process advances. The Seahawks, owned by the estate of Paul Allen, are expected to fetch between $9 billion and $10 billion, potentially making it the most expensive NFL team sold, surpassing the Washington Commanders' $6.05 billion sale in 2023. The sale is mandated by Paul Allen's will to direct proceeds to charities, and the NFL hopes for a completion before the 2026 regular season begins on September 9.
Despite earlier reports of soft interest, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated there has been "tremendous interest." However, the pool of potential bidders for sports franchises has reportedly shrunk due to surging valuations. Notable previous reports mentioned Vinod Khosla (minority owner of the San Francisco 49ers), Todd Boehly (owner of Chelsea Football Club and stakes in the Los Angeles Lakers and Dodgers), and a group led by Boston Celtics governors Wyc Grousbeck and Aditya Mittal as potential bidders. Apple CEO Tim Cook and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg have ruled out bids.
In related news, Las Vegas and Seattle are being considered for NBA expansion teams, with an expected expansion fee ranging from $7 billion to $10 billion, a figure comparable to the Seahawks' potential sale price. Former Disney CEO Bob Iger and billionaire investor Joshua Kushner (founder of Thrive Capital) are reportedly considering a bid for an NBA expansion team in Las Vegas through Kushner's investment firm, Thrive Eternal. Bill Foley, owner of the Vegas Golden Knights, also announced a bid for a Las Vegas NBA franchise. The NBA is expected to make a decision on expansion by the end of the year.
