MLB owners unanimously approved the Padres sale to José E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones.
Why it matters: The approval clears a major league governance hurdle for one of baseball's biggest recent team sales. It also keeps day-to-day baseball operations in place as the ownership transition moves toward closing.
- MLB owners voted unanimously on Aug. 17, 2026, to approve the Padres sale.
- The buyer group is led by José E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones.
- The deal values the Padres at $3.9 billion, an MLB-record valuation, AP reported.
- CEO Erik Greupner and GM A.J. Preller will remain in charge of day-to-day operations.
Major League Baseball owners unanimously approved the sale of the San Diego Padres to an investor group led by José E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones on Aug. 17, 2026, clearing a key regulatory step in the transaction.
The deal was first announced in early May as a definitive agreement to transfer control of the franchise from the Seidler family, subject to MLB approval and other customary closing conditions. MLB said the club's CEO, Erik Greupner, and general manager, A.J. Preller, will stay in place to run day-to-day baseball operations after the approval.
The agreement values the Padres at $3.9 billion, which AP described as an MLB-record valuation. The Seidler family bought the team in 2012 for $800 million from John Moores.
In announcing the approval, Commissioner Rob Manfred said, "José and Kwanza understand the unique place the Padres hold in San Diego and the powerful bond between the club and its fans." Feliciano and Jones said they want to win a World Series in San Diego and build an organization that can compete for championships year after year.
The Padres first said in November 2025 that they would explore a potential sale of the club. The new owners had already signaled continuity in baseball operations, while the league vote removes one of the final major hurdles before closing.
By the numbers
- 3.9 billion - agreed valuation of the Padres in the sale
- 800 million - what the Seidler family paid for the club in 2012
- 4 - postseason trips for the Padres in the past six seasons
Yes, but: MLB approval is a major step, but the transaction still has to close and the dossier does not give a closing date.
What's next: The sale still needs to complete remaining closing conditions before ownership formally changes hands.