The San Diego Padres are attracting significant interest from several high-profile potential buyers, signaling a potentially record-breaking sale for the Major League Baseball franchise. The team was put up for sale last November following the passing of owner Peter Seidler and the process is now heating up with bids emerging from prominent figures in both American and European sports.
Among those reportedly engaged in the sale process are Dan Friedkin, owner of Premier League club Everton and Serie A’s AS Roma, and José E. Feliciano, a co-founder of Clearlake Capital, which holds a stake in Chelsea Football Club. The interest from both billionaires underscores the growing appeal of MLB teams as valuable sports assets.
Friedkin’s previous pursuit of ownership in other major sports leagues – including a finalist bid for the NBA’s Boston Celtics and links to a potential NHL expansion team in Houston – demonstrates his ambition to expand his sports portfolio. Feliciano’s involvement, through his family office, adds another layer of competition to the bidding process. He has also previously explored investment opportunities in the NFL, with reported interest in both the Los Angeles Chargers and the Denver Broncos.
Adding to the mix is Golden State Warriors co-owner Joe Lacob, who has reportedly toured the Padres’ facilities and expressed genuine interest in acquiring the team, according to reports from the Sports Business Journal. Lacob’s potential bid further elevates the profile of the sale and suggests a competitive market for the franchise.
The sale process is being managed by investment bank BDT & MSD Partners. The Padres are currently valued at approximately $2.31 billion, according to Forbes, ranking them 17th among MLB’s 30 teams. However, the Seidler family is reportedly aiming for a sale price exceeding that valuation.
The current record for an MLB franchise sale stands at $2.42 billion, paid by Steve Cohen for the New York Mets in 2020. The Padres’ sale is being closely watched as a potential benchmark for future valuations within the league. The recent resolution of a legal dispute between Peter Seidler’s widow, Sheel Seidler, and his brothers, Matt and Bob Seidler, regarding control of the team, has paved the way for the sale to move forward. Sheel Seidler dropped most of her claims against her brothers, removing a significant obstacle to the transaction.
The Padres’ strong performance both on and off the field is contributing to their increased value. In 2025, the team drew 3.44 million in attendance, second only to the Los Angeles Dodgers, and generated over $500 million in gross revenue. This financial success, coupled with a growing interest in the sport, is attracting investors who believe MLB teams are currently undervalued, with the league’s revenue multiple at 6.6x – the lowest among the five major U.S. Sports leagues.
The sale of the Tampa Bay Rays last September, valued at $1.7 billion, provides a recent data point for comparison. However, the Padres, with their higher valuation and strong revenue streams, are expected to command a significantly higher price. The outcome of the bidding process will not only determine the future ownership of the Padres but also offer valuable insights into the current market dynamics for MLB franchises.
The involvement of multiple high-net-worth individuals, each with experience in owning and operating successful sports organizations, suggests a robust and competitive bidding war is likely to unfold. The Padres’ sale represents a significant moment for MLB, potentially setting a new standard for franchise valuations and attracting further investment into the league.
