On the day MLB owners approved the sale of the San Diego Padres to billionaire couple José E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones, the widow of late owner Peter Seidler shared her bittersweet reaction to the news.
“With a heavy heart, I’m sharing this news, but also with so much gratitude for the journey Peter and I shared with the Padres,” Sheel Seidler wrote on her Twitter/X account. “I believe the sale to José E.Feliciano and Kwanza Jones reflects what Peter would have wanted for the team and for San Diego. He cared deeply about building a legacy that brought people together, championed diversity, and opened doors for others.
“I’m grateful that José and Kwanza share that vision and are investing in the future of the Padres here in San Diego. This chapter closes one door and opens another for the team we love,” her message continued. “To the Friar Faithful, thank you for your support, your kindness and for honoring Peter’s legacy. I will always carry his light forward.”
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MLB announced Monday that its owners unanimously approved the transfer of control of the franchise from the Seidler family, a sale that was first agreed to in April.
At a reported valuation of $3.9 billion the Padres are the most expensive baseball team ever sold. The husband-wife duo is buying more than 40 percent of the franchise, The Athletic reported, with other individuals and entities joining them at a smaller combined percentage.
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Feliciano was designated as the Padres’ control person in accordance with MLB governance requirements. The closing of the transaction and ownership transition is scheduled to occur in the coming days.
Jones and Feliciano are scheduled to hold an introductory press conference in San Diego on Aug. 25.
“On behalf of Major League Baseball, I thank John Seidler and the entire Seidler family for their stewardship of the San Diego Padres,” commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “Continuing the legacy established by the late Peter Seidler, the Padres reached the Postseason four times in the last six years, energized one of baseball’s most passionate fanbases, and strengthened the Club’s role as a cornerstone of the San Diego community.
“We appreciate the Seidler family’s longstanding commitment to our National Pastime and their many contributions to the game.”
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