Padres agree to sell to Feliciano-led investor group
The San Diego Padres ownership group reached an agreement Saturday to sell a controlling interest in the franchise to an investor group led by Puerto Rican businessman José E. Feliciano and his wife, Kwanza Jones. The Seidler family, current owners since Peter Seidler's death three years ago, confirmed the deal, with John Seidler serving as chairman. The transaction awaits MLB approval.
Peter Seidler joined the Padres ownership in 2012 after John Moores sold the team for $800 million to a group led by Ron Fowler. Under Seidler, the franchise backed general manager A.J. Preller with aggressive spending, making the Padres San Diego's only major professional sports team and a consistent attendance draw.
The Padres ranked second in MLB attendance last season and hold second place in the National League West at 19-13 entering Sunday's series finale against the Chicago White Sox. They reached the playoffs in four of the past six seasons. Feliciano stands to become the second Latino principal owner in baseball, following Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno.
The Padres carry a $3.9 billion valuation, and the undisclosed sale price could surpass the record $2.42 billion Steve Cohen paid for the New York Mets in 2020. The buyers described the Padres as a "unifying force" in San Diego, pledging investment in community ties and on-field success, including a World Series championship.
