Indian-American venture capitalist Vinod Khosla and his wife Neeru have reached an agreement to buy the Seattle Seahawks for $9.6 billion, in what outlets describe as the most expensive NFL franchise sale in history. Multiple reports say the deal is being arranged through a Khosla-led ownership group and involves the estate of Paul G. Allen, who previously owned the team. Variety and Sportico report the agreement is confirmed by people familiar with the transaction, while other coverage notes that Allen’s estate reaches the deal for $9.6 billion and directs the proceeds to charity.
The reporting also says Neeru is expected to serve as the controlling owner. The transaction is subject to approval by the NFL’s owners; one outlet cites a scheduled vote on August 26. Additional terms discussed in coverage include requirements for Vinod Khosla to divest a minority stake he holds in the San Francisco 49ers. The purchase price values the team near $10 billion and places the deal among the largest control transactions for a sports franchise.
