SEATTLE, Wash. (Diya TV) — Billionaire investor Vinod Khosla is preparing a bid to buy the Seattle Seahawks, according to sources. The move could set up a high-profile battle for one of the NFL’s most valuable franchises. Khosla, the co-founder of Sun Microsystems and founder ofKhosla Ventures, recently submitted a letter of intent as part of the sale process, the sources said. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because the discussions remain private.
The Seahawks, who won their only Super Bowl title in the 2013 season, are currently owned by the estate of late billionaire Paul Allen. Allen died in 2018 and his will directed that his sports holdings be sold, with proceeds going to charitable causes. The potential sale has already attracted interest from several wealthy investors. Sports business outlet Sportico reported that steel executive Aditya Mittal and former Boston Celtics controlling owner Wyc Grousbeck are also working together on a possible bid.
Sportico values the Seahawks at about $6.59 billion. However, many analysts expect the final sale price to rise much higher because of strong demand for NFL franchises. The current record for an NFL control sale belongs to the Washington Commanders, which sold for $6.05 billion in 2023. That deal was led by billionaire investor Josh Harris. The record for the most expensive sports team control sale overall belongs to the Los Angeles Lakers, which sold at a $10 billion valuation.
Khosla has a net worth of about $14.5 billion, according to Forbes. He recently became a minority investor in the San Francisco 49ers. Reports said he purchased the largest share among a group of local investors who bought into the franchise last year at a valuation above $8.5 billion. NFL rules would require Khosla to sell his 49ers stake if he succeeds in buying the Seahawks.
The NFL has strict rules for team ownership and financing. The league limits debt on franchise purchases to $1.5 billion. It also requires the lead owner to hold at least 30% of the team’s equity. Institutional investment funds can own up to 10% of a team, while ownership groups cannot exceed 24 minority partners.
Recent NFL ownership deals show that many new owners first enter the league through minority stakes. David Tepper held a minority share in the Pittsburgh Steelers before buying the Carolina Panthers in 2018. Harris also previously owned part of the Steelers before leading the Commanders’ purchase. His business partner, David Blitzer, was another former Steelers minority investor.
The Trail Blazers were recently sold for $4.1 billion to a group led by billionaire Tom Dundon & Indian American venture capitalist Sheel Tyle. The Seahawks’ sale process remains ongoing, and no final agreement has been announced.
