The Seidler family, owners of the San Diego Padres, announced on Thursday that they are evaluating their future with the franchise, including a potential sale. The decision comes nearly two years after the death of former control person Peter Seidler. The team emphasized its commitment to contending for a World Series in 2026 during the process.
The San Diego Padres released a statement on Thursday detailing the Seidler family's plan to explore strategic options for the franchise. Chairman John Seidler said, “The family has decided to begin a process of evaluating our future with the Padres, including a potential sale of the franchise.” He added, “We will undertake this process with integrity and professionalism in a way that honors Peter’s legacy and love for the Padres and lays the foundation for the franchise’s long-term success. During the process and as we prepare for the 2026 season, the Padres will continue to focus on its players, employees, fans, and community while putting every resource into winning a World Series championship. We remain fully committed to this team, its fans, and the San Diego community.”
The Seidler family has owned the Padres since 2012, when they purchased the team for $800 million from John Moores as part of a group. Ron Fowler served as executive chairman from 2012 to 2020, followed by Peter Seidler as control person after the 2020 season. Peter Seidler held the role for three years until his death in November 2023. Following his passing, the franchise has been controlled by the Seidler Trust, with Eric Kutsenda as interim control person for one season and John Seidler named chairman before the 2025 season. Reports indicate that Peter's widow, Sheel Seidler, and his brothers, Robert and Matthew Seidler, engaged in disputes over control, including lawsuits.
Under the Seidler family's ownership, the Padres have experienced their most successful era. The team reached the postseason four times in the last six years, after only five playoff appearances in its first 51 seasons. They posted consecutive 90-plus-win seasons for the first time in franchise history. Attendance hit a record 3,437,201 fans across 81 home games at Petco Park this year, including 72 sellouts. Payroll grew from $62.9 million in 2012 (28th in MLB) to a franchise-record $257.2 million in 2023, settling at $214.7 million in 2025. The team now pays into MLB's revenue sharing program.
The Padres' core remains strong, with Xander Bogaerts, Manny Machado, Jackson Merrill, and Fernando Tatis Jr. signed through at least 2033, accounting for about $120 million annually. Jake Cronenworth is under contract through 2030. The team plans to focus on adding pitching this offseason under new manager Craig Stammen. The Seidlers will work with BDT & MSD Partners on the process, but details and timeline remain unclear, with no further comments planned until completion.
Recent MLB sales include the Baltimore Orioles for $1.725 billion in 2024, while the Minnesota Twins and Washington Nationals failed to sell at their asking prices.