One of the most lucrative business models in the United States is owning a professional sports team. It is an asset that is constantly appreciating to an almost preposterous degree. It’s little secret why some of the wealthiest and most powerful people in the country (as well as former athletes, such as Tom Brady or Ken Griffey Jr.) are constantly trying to find their own slice of the ownership pie.
Forbes Magazine recently published their list of most valuable NFL franchises headed into the 2024 season. Of course, to the surprise of absolutely no one, the Dallas Cowboys topped the list. Valued at approximately $10 billion, the Cowboys prove (in this case) everything truly is bigger in Texas. Right behind them are the Los Angeles Rams, valued at $7.6 billion, and a few spots down at No. 6 are the San Francisco 49ers and their $6.8 billion in value.
When reading the list, you’ll have to scroll all the way down to the No. 15 spot to find the Seattle Seahawks. Valued at $5.45 billion, the Seahawks do remain in the upper half of organizations in this league, and well ahead of the only other team in the NFC West, the No. 29 Arizona Cardinals ($4.3 billion).
What should interest the 12th Man the most is an idea of what the team might sell for. When former owner Paul Allen died, the team was left to his Trust, which is operated by his sister Jody. Per his will, all his assets are to be sold… including the Seattle Seahawks and Portland Trail Blazers of the NBA. This was established in 2018.
While Jody has certainly taken her time getting around to executing these aspects of Paul’s will, eventually, she is going to have to sell. Given the success of the franchise, the premiere location in the US, the lack of income tax in the state, and the loyal fans that always show up, it’s not hard to imagine the Seahawks coming with a hefty price tag.
$5.45 billion might just be the starting price.
More Seahawks Wire stories
Seahawks officially set their 53-man roster
Updated Seahawks win/loss record by uniform headed into 2024
Seahawks won’t allow Geno Smith contract to be a distraction