Major League Baseball owners unanimously sanction record $3.9B purchase of San Diego Padres

Major League Baseball’s ownership group has unanimously approved the record‑setting $3.9 billion sale of the San Diego Padres to a partnership led by José E. Feliciano and his spouse, Kwanza Jones. The transaction values the franchise at $3.9 billion, establishing a new benchmark for valuations across the sport and marks the end of the Seidler family’s stewardship following the death of Peter Seidler. During Peter Seidler’s tenure, the Padres energized their fan base and appeared in the postseason four times over the last six seasons. Commissioner Rob Manfred addressed the change, stating, “On behalf of Major League Baseball, I convey John Seidler and the full Seidler household for their stewardship of the San Diego Padres,” and added, “Continuing the bequest established by the precocious Peter Seidler, the Padres reached the Postseason 4 times successful the past six years, energized 1 of baseball’s astir passionate fanbases, and strengthened the club’s relation arsenic a cornerstone of the San Diego San Diego community.” Manfred further remarked, “It is my pleasance to invited José E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones arsenic the caller bulk owners of the Padres pursuing today’s vote.” Feliciano, a co‑founder of Santa Monica‑based Clearlake Capital, becomes the second Latino majority owner in the major leagues. Day‑to‑day operations will maintain continuity, with current chief operating officer Erik Greupner and president of baseball operations A.J. Preller retaining their respective positions. In a joint statement, Jones and Feliciano said, “We are a household first, and becoming owners of the San Diego Padres means joining an adjacent larger one. We are grateful to the Seidler family, and particularly to Peter, for raising the expectations of what this franchise tin achieve. … Our ambition is clear: to bring a World Series title to San Diego and physique an enduring enactment susceptible of competing for championships twelvemonth aft year. We mean to beryllium engaged owners, bringing our energy, acquisition and position portion moving alongside the talented squad already successful spot and investing ambitiously and thoughtfully in the Padres’ future.” They concluded, “We are each successful and committed to winning.”