Padres Sold for Record $3.9 Billion, Playoff Hockey Begins

The NHL postseason is underway, while a new owner is set to take over the San Diego Padres.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 11:24am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, geometric painting depicting the chaotic energy of a hockey game, with players and the puck rendered as overlapping angular shapes in a vibrant color palette.The NHL playoffs' unpredictable action and high-stakes drama are captured in a cubist-inspired illustration.San Diego Today

The 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs have begun, with intriguing storylines surrounding teams like the Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Tampa Bay Lightning. Meanwhile, the San Diego Padres are set to be sold for a record $3.9 billion, the highest price ever paid for an MLB franchise.

Why it matters

The NHL playoffs represent the most exciting and unpredictable postseason in professional sports, with several teams capable of making a deep run. The record-breaking sale of the Padres also highlights the increasing value of MLB franchises, which could impact labor negotiations and the league's financial landscape going forward.

The details

The NHL postseason features several compelling narratives, including the Edmonton Oilers' quest to finally break through with Connor McDavid, the Pittsburgh Penguins' attempt to make one more deep run with their aging core, and the Tampa Bay Lightning's pursuit of a third straight Stanley Cup. Meanwhile, a co-owner of Chelsea Football Club and his wife are reportedly closing in on a $3.9 billion purchase of the Padres, shattering the previous MLB team sale record of $2.4 billion for the New York Mets in 2020.

  • The 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs begin today.
  • The Padres sale is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.

The players

Connor McDavid

The superstar center for the Edmonton Oilers, who led the NHL in scoring with 138 points this season.

Sidney Crosby

The veteran Pittsburgh Penguins captain, who is seeking another Stanley Cup championship in his 20th NHL season.

Tampa Bay Lightning

The two-time defending Stanley Cup champions, who are aiming for a third straight title.

Padres

The San Diego-based MLB franchise, which is set to be sold for a record $3.9 billion.

Chelsea Football Club

The English Premier League team, whose co-owner is reportedly part of the group purchasing the Padres.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“They still feel volatile and fatally flawed, but their defense and goaltending have smoothed out a bit, Draisaitl will be back and it's never tough to talk yourself into Connor McDavid.”

— Sean Gentille, The Athletic senior writer and 'The Athletic Hockey Show' host

“Nope, they're legitimately good. The wildest part about their season — and I say this as someone who thought they'd finish with a bottom-five roster in the league — is that they've pretty well played themselves out of the 'happy to be here' scenario.”

— Sean Gentille, The Athletic senior writer and 'The Athletic Hockey Show' host

What’s next

The judge overseeing the Padres sale is expected to approve the record-breaking $3.9 billion transaction in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The 2026 NHL playoffs promise to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with several elite teams and superstars vying for the Stanley Cup. Meanwhile, the Padres' impending sale for a record price underscores the continued growth and value of MLB franchises, which could have significant implications for the league's future.