The Philanthropist Behind the Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks

Jody Allen, chair of the Super Bowl LX champion Seattle Seahawks, has emerged as one of the most influential figures in professional sports and philanthropy following her brother Paul Allen’s death in 2018. As trustee of the Paul G. Allen Trust and chair of Vale Group (formerly Vulcan Inc.), she oversees a vast portfolio of assets while steering major teams and charitable initiatives. Here are 10 key things to know about the low-profile businesswoman and philanthropist who recently hoisted the Lombardi Trophy after Seattle’s 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots.

1. Younger Sister of Microsoft Co-Founder Paul Allen Jody Allen, born Jo Lynn Allen on Feb. 3, 1959, in Seattle, is the younger sibling of Paul G. Allen, who co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates in 1975. Raised in Seattle’s Wedgwood neighborhood by parents Kenneth Sam Allen, a University of Washington Libraries associate director, and Edna Faye Gardner Allen, a schoolteacher, the siblings shared a close bond. Jody graduated from Lakeside School in 1975 — the same elite private school attended by Gates — and studied drama at Whitman College, earning her degree around 1980.
2. Co-Founder of Vulcan Inc. (Now Vale Group) In 1986, Jody co-founded Vulcan Inc. with Paul to manage family investments, projects and philanthropy. She served as CEO for years, handling day-to-day operations while Paul pursued broader visions in technology, real estate and science. Vulcan oversaw diverse holdings, including real estate developments like Lumen Field (home of the Seahawks) and the Moda Center (home of the Portland Trail Blazers). The company rebranded to Vale Group, with Jody as chair, continuing to execute Paul’s innovative projects.
3. Chair of the Seattle Seahawks and Portland Trail Blazers As trustee of the Paul G. Allen Trust, Jody assumed control of the Seahawks after Paul’s 2018 death from non-Hodgkin lymphoma complications. She serves as chair, emphasizing the team’s role in fostering civic pride in Seattle. Similarly, she chairs the Portland Trail Blazers, which Paul bought in 1988. Under her leadership, the Seahawks won Super Bowl LX in 2026, marking the franchise’s second title and her first as chair. She proudly identifies as a “12,” the Seahawks’ fanbase nickname.
4. Trustee of the Paul G. Allen Trust Paul’s will designated Jody as executor and sole trustee of his estate, valued at around $20 billion at his death. The trust holds the Seahawks, Trail Blazers (and a stake in the Seattle Sounders MLS team), requiring eventual sale of sports assets with proceeds directed to charity. Jody manages these holdings, preserving Paul’s vision while navigating complex legal and financial responsibilities. Despite Super Bowl success, she cannot personally profit from team sales due to the charitable mandate.
5. Major Philanthropist Through Allen Family Philanthropies Jody co-founded and chairs Allen Family Philanthropies with Paul, focusing on arts and culture, youth development, environmental conservation and more. She also chairs the Fund for Science and Technology, supporting bioscience, environmental efforts and AI for good. Passionate about conservation, she founded Wild Lives Foundation in 2016 to combat wildlife trafficking and protect African elephants. She serves on boards like the Allen Institute and Sealife Response, Rehab and Research (SR3), emphasizing marine wildlife welfare in the Pacific Northwest.
6. Founder and Director of MoPOP Jody is the founding director of the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) in Seattle, a critically acclaimed institution celebrating music, film, science fiction and popular culture. Opened in 2000 as the Experience Music Project, it reflects the Allen family’s commitment to arts innovation. Jody remains actively involved, ensuring the museum’s role in cultural education and community engagement.
7. Net Worth and Financial Influence Estimates place the assets Jody manages through the trust and Vale Group at around $20 billion, aligning with Paul’s wealth at death. Her personal net worth is harder to pinpoint due to private structures, but she ranks among the wealthiest sports owners, with the Seahawks valued over $6 billion in recent assessments. The 2026 Super Bowl win boosts franchise value further, though charitable directives limit personal gain.
8. Low-Profile Yet Impactful Leadership Jody maintains a private life, avoiding the spotlight common among team owners. Described as detail-oriented and passionate about real estate and building projects, she earned praise for operational efficiency at Vulcan. Her quiet stewardship has sustained success across sports and philanthropy, with recent Super Bowl triumph highlighting her steady hand amid transition.
9. Commitment to Civic Pride and Community Both the Seahawks and Trail Blazers serve as catalysts for regional identity under Jody’s watch. She recognizes sports’ power to unite communities, investing in facilities like Lumen Field that enhance Seattle’s landscape. Philanthropic efforts prioritize local youth programs, environmental initiatives and cultural access, reflecting a deep Seattle roots commitment.
10. Navigating Future Transitions As trustee, Jody faces the mandate to sell the Seahawks and Trail Blazers, with proceeds benefiting charity. Despite the 2026 championship, rumors of pressure to divest persist, though she continues guiding both franchises. Her legacy intertwines Paul’s visionary entrepreneurship with her own focus on sustainable impact, conservation and community uplift.

Jody Allen’s story blends family legacy, business acumen and philanthropy. From co-founding Vulcan to leading Super Bowl champions and championing global causes, she upholds her brother’s innovative spirit while carving her distinct path in sports and giving.