NewsKPBS Public MediaAugust 24, 2026San Diego
Major League Baseball approves $3.9 billion sale of San Diego Padres to new ownership group
Major League Baseball has approved the sale of the San Diego Padres to a new ownership group led by José E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones for $3.9 billion. This transaction marks the first time a Puerto Rican individual has held majority ownership of an MLB team and the first time a Black individual has held majority ownership in the league.
Read the full story at KPBS Public MediaWhy It Matters
The change in ownership shifts the leadership of San Diego's professional baseball team and represents a milestone in sports business demographics, following the death of former owner Peter Seidler.
Key Facts
- Major League Baseball approved the sale of the San Diego Padres for $3.9 billion.
- The new ownership group is led by José E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones.
- José E. Feliciano is the first Puerto Rican to hold majority ownership of an MLB team.
- Kwanza Jones is the first Black person to hold majority ownership of an MLB team.
- Feliciano is the second Latino principal owner in MLB, joining Arte Moreno of the Los Angeles Angels.
- The sale occurs two and a half years after the death of former owner Peter Seidler.
- An official announcement and press conference are scheduled for Monday at Petco Park.
Who's Mentioned
organizationSan Diego Padres“Professional baseball team sold for $3.9 billion.”organizationMajor League Baseball“Governing body that approved the sale.”personCarmen Acevedo“Board member of the House of Puerto Rico in Balboa Park.”personPeter Seidler“Former owner of the Padres who passed away two and a half years ago.”personJosé E. Feliciano“New majority owner of the San Diego Padres; private equity billionaire born in P”personKwanza Jones“New majority owner of the San Diego Padres; entrepreneur and philanthropist.”personDonna Deberry“President of the San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce.”