Drew Brees Leads Group Bidding to Buy San Diego Padres

Hall of Fame QB partners with Vuori founder to make play for MLB franchise

Feb. 26, 2026 at 11:41pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Former NFL quarterback Drew Brees has joined a group led by Vuori CEO Joe Kudla in placing an initial bid to purchase the San Diego Padres. The Padres have been put up for sale by the Seidler family, with five groups reportedly submitting offers to buy the team.

Why it matters

The sale of the Padres represents a major ownership transition for the MLB franchise, which has been owned by the Seidler family since 2012. Brees' involvement as part of a bidding group adds star power and local ties, as the quarterback spent the early part of his career with the San Diego Chargers.

The details

According to reports, Brees has partnered with Joe Kudla, the founder and CEO of the Carlsbad-based athleisure brand Vuori, to place one of the five initial bids for the Padres. The Seidler family is seeking north of $3 billion for the team, which they purchased in 2012 for $800 million. Other bidding groups include owners from the English Premier League's Chelsea and Everton clubs, as well as Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob.

  • The Seidler family announced the sale of the Padres in November 2025.
  • The initial bid deadline for prospective buyers was Wednesday, February 26, 2026.

The players

Drew Brees

A Hall of Fame quarterback who began his NFL career with the San Diego Chargers and has been a longtime fan of the Padres.

Joe Kudla

The founder and CEO of the Carlsbad-based athleisure brand Vuori, who has partnered with Brees in the bid to purchase the Padres.

Seidler family

The current owners of the San Diego Padres, who announced the sale of the team in November 2025.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Joe Kudla, the owner and CEO of Carlsbad, Calif.-based Vuori, has partnered with Drew Brees, who began his decorated NFL career with the San Diego Chargers, in pursuit of the Padres, according to industry sources who were granted anonymity to speak freely about the franchise's sale process.”

— Dennis Lin, Reporter (The Athletic)

What’s next

The Seidler family is hoping to complete the sale of the Padres before a potential MLB lockout next offseason.

The takeaway

The sale of the Padres represents a significant ownership transition for the franchise, with several high-profile groups, including one led by former Chargers quarterback Drew Brees, vying to purchase the team. The outcome of the sale process will have major implications for the future direction and competitiveness of the Padres organization.