The NFL offseason is officially in full swing following a blockbuster 2026 NFL Draft, with teams across the league loading up on fresh talent and setting their sights on Super Bowl glory. But while the action on the field heats up during workouts and training camps, a different kind of competition is brewing behind the scenes—one that involves two of the biggest names in tech.
Ownership activity is intensifying across the league, and the spotlight has shifted to the Pacific Northwest. Just 10 days after the Seattle Seahawks captured their second Super Bowl title in franchise history, the team was put up for sale. Now, two heavyweight bidders have emerged: Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and Apple CEO Tim Cook. Reports suggest both billionaires are exploring bids for the Seahawks, though it remains unclear whether they're targeting majority or minority stakes.
Given their financial firepower, a majority ownership bid seems more likely. Zuckerberg, with an estimated net worth exceeding $200 billion according to Yahoo Finance, is the clear financial heavyweight in this matchup. Cook, who has steered Apple into a multi-trillion-dollar empire since becoming CEO in 2011, brings a net worth of around $2 billion to the table. Both could also join forces with investment groups to strengthen their offers, which could ultimately drive up the final sale price.
While the Seahawks' exact valuation hasn't been disclosed, recent NFL transactions provide a solid benchmark. The New York Giants were recently appraised at over $10 billion following the Koch family's share transfer, and the Washington Commanders sold for $6.05 billion in 2023. That places Seattle's value somewhere in the $6 billion to $10 billion range—and possibly higher if bidding heats up. With a passionate fan base, a strong sports market, and a prime West Coast location, the Seahawks are a premium asset.
As the offseason unfolds, the big question remains: will Mark Zuckerberg or Tim Cook add an NFL franchise to their already impressive portfolios? For now, all eyes are on Seattle.