Thursday, 21 November 2024

Paul Allen

Contest: The US Athletic Hall of Fame - Contributors 2024
Embed from Getty Images
Sport(s): Basketball, Football & Soccer Owner
Statistics: 1 Super Bowl (XLVIII)
Named to the Seattle Seahawks Ring of Honor
Co-founding Microsoft with Bill Gates, Paul Allen became one of the wealthiest people in the world. He would use some of that money to purchase sports teams, all of which were fortunate to have him as the owner.

Allen bought the Portland Trail Blazers in 1988, and while he was their owner, the team reached the NBA Finals twice (1990 & 1992). He also helped fund the Moda Center, the home of the Blazers.

In 1997, Allen then purchased the Seattle Seahawks, whose previous owner was looking to move the team to California. Not only did Allen keep the team in Seattle, but he also moved the team to CenturyLink Field and helped upgrade the facility. The Seahawks went to three Super Bowls with Allen, winning Super Bowl XLVIII.

He would also co-own the Seattle Sounders of Major League Soccer, which was one of the most successful in the league while he was an owner.

We are proud to nominate Paul Allen for the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.