Vuori CEO, Drew Brees among bidders for Padres

Other groups led by Warriors owner Joe Lacob and Premier League owner José E. Feliciano also bidding for MLB franchise

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Ahead of what could become a record-setting sale, the founder of apparel brand Vuori, Joe Kudla, has partnered with former NFL quarterback Drew Brees in a bid to purchase the San Diego Padres. Other remaining suitors include Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob and English Premier League club owner José E. Feliciano.

Why it matters

The Padres' sale process is drawing heightened attention as MLB braces for a widely expected lockout next offseason. The franchise's latest valuation is $2.31 billion, but the Seidler family is seeking a price closer to $3 billion, which would set a new MLB record.

The details

Kudla, the founder and CEO of the rapidly growing athleisure brand Vuori, has teamed up with Brees, who played for the San Diego Chargers, in their pursuit of the Padres. Other bidders include Lacob, the Warriors owner who has previously tried to buy into other MLB teams, and Feliciano, whose consortium acquired Chelsea Football Club for $5.3 billion in 2022.

  • The due date for the first round of offers was Wednesday, February 26, 2026.
  • An agreement to buy the team is possible around Opening Day.

The players

Joe Kudla

The owner and CEO of Carlsbad, Calif.-based Vuori, a rapidly growing athleisure brand that reached a $5.5 billion valuation more than a year ago.

Drew Brees

A Hall of Fame quarterback who began his NFL career with the San Diego Chargers and has invested in professional flag football, pickleball, and other athletic ventures.

Joe Lacob

The owner of the Golden State Warriors who has previously pursued MLB ownership, including attempts to buy into the Angels, Athletics, and Dodgers.

José E. Feliciano

The owner of an English Premier League club whose consortium acquired Chelsea Football Club for $5.3 billion in 2022.

John Seidler

The chairman of the Padres, whose family is seeking a price closer to $3 billion for the franchise.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We've had tremendous interest. Some parties have been reported in the press. Others have not, and more parties are interested than has been reported. … In the next few months, the process will come to a logical conclusion.”

— John Seidler, Padres Chairman (The Athletic)

“But there's just a lot of people wanting to buy a baseball team right now.”

— Arte Moreno, Los Angeles Angels Owner (The Athletic)

What’s next

Multiple groups are expected to move on to the next round of bidding, with an agreement to buy the team possible around Opening Day.

The takeaway

The Padres' sale process has attracted a diverse group of high-profile bidders, including the founder of a popular apparel brand, a Hall of Fame quarterback, and owners of major professional sports franchises, underscoring the continued strong demand for MLB ownership opportunities.