By Amelia Wright
It’s shaping up to be one of the most interesting sports seasons in recent years for fans of national and local teams alike. From dramatic shifts in NFL ownership to rising stars in high school and college, here’s what’s on the radar in Bellevue and beyond.
Seahawks Enters New Chapter
The Seattle Seahawks are officially under new ownership as the NFL approved the $9.6 billion purchase by a group led by venture capitalist Vinod Khosla. This massive transition comes on the heels of their Super Bowl run, signaling major expectations for investment and identity moving forward. The organization is embracing change—new front office moves, branding updates, and a mindset to build on their recent success.
UW Huskies: A Wave of Talent and High Stakes
The University of Washington Huskies are riding high with a landmark 2026 recruiting class, widely regarded as one of the best in recent school history. The 25 signees include standout talent from all over the nation, and key additions that fill every position. For the 2027 class, recruits like Tye Kennedy—son of Lincoln Kennedy and a top offensive line prospect—are helping UW maintain high recruiting expectations. This influx of talent has fans believing this could be a season of deeper national relevance for Husky football.
Bellevue High: Stories from the Home Front
Bellevue High students aren’t short on achievements. In recent weeks, the Wolverine dance team brought home a 2nd place in Kick and 3rd in Dance at the state level—performances rooted in discipline, grit, and teamwork. The varsity boys lacrosse team pulled off a thrilling 12–11 comeback against Claremont, thanks to strong leadership and clutch contributions from underclassmen. On the track, several athletes smashed personal bests, and the school even saw a new school record in the 110-meter hurdles. Meanwhile, the girls fastpitch softball squad delivered a commanding 13–3 win over Renton, powered by dominant pitching and timely hitting.
What to Keep an Eye On
• Seahawks Week 1 opener vs. the Patriots will test whether the team’s recent changes translate to results on game day. They’ll be in college navy uniforms—one of several fresh logo and uniform tweaks this season.
• Watch UW’s performance at its home games this fall—how the newcomers adjust in real competition, and whether the offense and defense can gel fast enough to challenge for conference standings.
• On the high school front: Bellevue High has early tests in lacrosse, track & field, and softball—matchups that could define momentum. Senior leadership will matter; rising stars will be key.
Big shifts, fresh faces, and local heroes—that’s the narrative this season. I’ll be keeping score; you’ll be hearing from me all year long.