Padres Chairman Confirms 'Tremendous Interest' in Team Sale

Seidler says process will conclude in coming months as initial bids are due in late February.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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San Diego Padres chairman John Seidler announced that the franchise has drawn 'tremendous interest' from prospective buyers as the team sale process gains momentum. Seidler said he expects a resolution in the coming months, with initial bids due in late February. Reported potential bidders include Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob and owners of English Premier League clubs Dan Friedkin and José E. Feliciano.

Why it matters

The Padres sale process has been closely watched, as the team is seen as a valuable asset in Major League Baseball. The Seidler family is seeking a sale price close to $3 billion, nearly three times the team's purchase price in 2012. The new owner will be tasked with continuing the Padres' recent success on the field and maintaining their strong fan support in San Diego.

The details

Seidler announced in November 2024 that he and his family had begun exploring a potential sale of the Padres, two years after the death of his brother and late Padres owner Peter Seidler. The sales process has recently appeared to gain momentum after the resolution of a family fight over control of the franchise. Sportico's latest valuations appraised the Padres at $2.31 billion.

  • Seidler announced the potential sale in November 2024.
  • Initial bids for the team are due in late February 2026.

The players

John Seidler

The chairman of the San Diego Padres, who announced the team is up for sale and has drawn 'tremendous interest' from prospective buyers.

Peter Seidler

The late Padres owner and John Seidler's brother, who passed away in 2022.

A.J. Preller

The Padres' president of baseball operations.

Joe Lacob

The owner of the Golden State Warriors, who is reported to be a potential bidder for the Padres.

Dan Friedkin

The owner of an English Premier League club, who is reported to be a potential bidder for the Padres.

José E. Feliciano

The owner of an English Premier League club, who is reported to be a potential bidder for the Padres.

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What they’re saying

“We've had tremendous interest. Some parties have been reported in the press. Others have not. … (Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller) likes to say every offseason is different and plays out in its own timing. A sales process also plays out in its own timing. And in the next few months, the process will come to a logical conclusion.”

— John Seidler, Padres Chairman (The New York Times)

“The Padres aren't moving from San Diego. A new buyer would be nuts to move the team out of San Diego. We had the second-highest attendance in all of baseball last year. We've been in the top five (in attendance) for the last five or six seasons. San Diego is a great place for baseball. Baseball is the only major sport in San Diego right now. So, the opportunity is in San Diego, not elsewhere.”

— John Seidler, Padres Chairman (The New York Times)

What’s next

Initial bids for the Padres are due in late February 2026, and Seidler expects the sales process to conclude in the coming months.

The takeaway

The Padres sale process has gained significant momentum, with the team drawing 'tremendous interest' from deep-pocketed prospective buyers. The new owner will inherit a valuable franchise with a strong fan base in San Diego, and will be tasked with continuing the team's recent on-field success while maintaining their community ties.