Stipulations outlined in Allen’s succession plan for the Seahawks have not yet been revealed publiclygetty images
Multiple NFL team owners at the league's fall meetings in N.Y. yesterday said that they expect the Seahawks "will remain in Seattle, regardless of whether the franchise is ultimately sold" in the wake of Owner Paul Allen’s death, according to Lindsay Jones of THE ATHLETIC. Colts Owner Jim Irsay said, “I would have to believe his wishes are going to make sure that whoever buys it retains that market as where the team will stay.” Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones said, “I can’t imagine the Seahawks not in Seattle. That hasn’t even been a thought." Allen is "survived by his sister, Jody, but it is unclear if she would assume ownership of the team or if it would be placed up for sale" (THEATHLETIC.com, 10/17). NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said that the future ownership of the Seahawks "was not addressed during the meeting" yesterday. But he said the Seahawks and Allen "made plans" prior to his death and at the "appropriate time, those things will be discussed" (WASHINGTON POST, 10/18). USA TODAY's Jarrett Bell notes NFL owners are "required to submit a succession plan to the league that details specifically how ownership of their franchises would be handled upon the death of the primary owner." Stipulations outlined in Allen’s plan have "not been revealed publicly." But it is "hard to believe that he would not have devised a plan that ensured the long-term future" of the team in Seattle (USA TODAY, 10/18).
IMPACT ON TRAIL BLAZERS: In Seattle, Geoff Baker cited a source as saying that the NBA has "no interest at all" in the Trail Blazers "relocating to Seattle, shooting down one of the early rumors that surfaced" after Allen's death. The Trail Blazers' lease with the City of Portland at Moda Center runs through at least '25, the team is "making money" and the NBA also is "uninterested in repairing its image in Seattle by hurting another Northwest city." As well, a "revived regional rivalry between the Blazers and any future Sonics team is seen as something key for both franchises" (SEATTLETIMES.com, 10/17).
