Seattle Sounders co-owner Paul Allen has died following a battle with cancer, as announced on Monday. He was 65.
— Paul Allen (@PaulGAllen) October 15, 2018
Allen announced earlier in the month on his Twitter account that his Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma had returned, and vowed to “fight this challenge.”
The Washington native was a prominent figure in technology, business, philanthropy and sports, both locally and nationally. Allen co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates in the 1970s, and that company grew to become a global tech titan.
Among his other ventures, he owned the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers, NFL’s Seattle Seahawks, and helped bring the Sounders to MLS, where they were an instant hit upon their arrival in 2009. Over 10 seasons, the Sounders have won four U.S. Open Cups (2009, 2010, 2011, 2014), one Supporters’ Shield (2014) and one MLS Cup (2016).
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) October 15, 2018
Following the news, tributes began pouring out to Allen, including from MLS Commissioner Don Garber, fellow Sounders owner Drew Carey and Portland Timbers owner Merritt Paulson:
Our #MLS family is saddened to hear of Paul Allen’s passing. We thank him for his support of @SoundersFC and our League, and for his many philanthropic efforts that leave a wonderful and lasting impact on the world.
— Don Garber (@thesoccerdon) October 15, 2018
Sad to hear this. Paul Allen was a founding partner in the Seattle #SoundersFC. He left behind a monumental legacy all the way around. My condolences to his family and friends. https://t.co/9Nh5ji6JBV
— Drew Carey (@DrewFromTV) October 15, 2018
Paul Allen did so so much for the city of Portland (and beyond).
Deepest sympathies from me and and my family and @ThornsFC & @TimbersFC …. may he rest in peace.
— Merritt Paulson (@MerrittPaulson) October 15, 2018
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