Allen had a succession plan in place for the team, but it has not yet been made publicGETTY IMAGES
The death of Seahawks Owner Paul Allen last week "will likely lead to the eventual sale of the franchise," according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSPORTS.com. Sources said that the "exchange of the franchise is likely to follow a similar path as when Ralph Wilson passed away as owner of the Bills." In that instance, there were "provisions about the franchise remaining in that region" (CBSSPORTS.com, 10/21). THE MMQB's Jenny Vrentas noted the succession plan Allen put in place "has not been made public." The Seahawks at last week's NFL owners meeting "were represented" by CFO Karen Spencer. If the team is sold, it "would draw a great deal of interest" given its "strong fan base, an excellent stadium and a hometown flush with tech money." Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos is one "obvious name the league would no doubt be interested in bringing into the fold." Bezos is based in Seattle, and the NFL is "already in business with him" through the "TNF" streaming deal. A few other names that "could make sense, given their net worth, location, ties to professional sports teams and/or the NFL’s desire to have them join the ownership," are Clippers Owner Steve Ballmer, Oracle Founder & Exec Chair Larry Ellison, Warriors co-Owner Joe Lacob and Salesforce Chair & co-CEO Marc Benioff (SI.com, 10/19). CBSSN's Amy Trask said the NFL's relaxed cross-ownership rules could open the door for "someone who has an interest in a team in another market," like Ballmer, to bid for the Seahawks. Trask: "Even if that doesn't happen, it creates leverage because prospective buyers know that there is a bigger market" ("That Other Pregame Show," CBSSN, 10/21).
LED BY EXAMPLE: NBCSPORTS.com's Peter King writes the reason "people loved working" for Allen is that he "left them alone to do the jobs he hired them to do." Seahawks GM John Schneider said that Allen would "email him plenty about decision the team made, and would never overrule him" or coach Pete Carroll "on anything." Allen's input was "from a man who knew how to make smart business decisions, and when he had something smart to contribute, he did." When he did not, he "stayed out of the way" (NBCSPORTS.com, 10/22).
