Seidler Family Considers Selling San Diego Padres: Potential Sale Looms
The Seidler family, heirs of the late San Diego Padres owner Peter Seidler, is contemplating a sale of the franchise. This decision was announced by the Padres on Thursday as they seek advice from BDT & MSD Partners, a firm with experience in sports franchise sales, having previously assisted teams like the Boston Celtics and the Chicago White Sox.
Potential Sale of the Padres: Recent Developments
John Seidler, who became the Padres chairman following his brother’s passing in November 2023, stated that the family is “evaluating our future with the Padres, including a potential sale.” He emphasized that the process will be conducted with the utmost integrity, prioritizing Peter Seidler’s legacy and the long-term success of the team.
During this period, the Padres will maintain their focus on players, employees, fans, and their community, with commitment to winning a World Series championship as they prepare for the 2026 season.
Background of the Seidler Family and the Padres
Peter Seidler was part of the group that acquired the Padres for $800 million in 2012. He became the primary owner in November 2020 after buying out Ron Fowler’s majority stake. Known for his bold investments, he aimed at securing San Diego’s first major professional sports championship.
After Seidler’s passing, his widow, Sheel, initiated legal action against her brothers-in-law in an effort to challenge John Seidler’s position as the franchise’s control person. Sheel alleged her late husband intended for her to succeed him, a claim firmly denied by Matthew Seidler.
The Padres’ Recent Performance
Peter Seidler’s tenure marked a successful era for the Padres, with the team reaching the postseason four times in six years. The franchise recorded a minimum of 90 victories in both of the last two seasons, featuring prominent players such as Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado. Despite a payroll reduction in 2024, the team’s competitive spirit was sustained under General Manager A.J. Preller’s leadership.
In 2025, the Padres won 90 games but were eliminated in a tightly contested Wild Card Series against the Chicago Cubs. Earlier this week, the organization appointed former pitcher Craig Stammen as the new manager.
Market Conditions and Future Considerations
The Padres enjoy a strong fan base and a prime location at Petco Park, which are attractive selling points for any potential new owner. The franchise has reported record home attendance for three consecutive seasons, surpassing three million fans for the first time ever, reaching a staggering 3,437,201 in 2025, averaging 42,435 per game.
Despite the team’s popularity, not every potential franchise sale in Major League Baseball results in an actual transaction. For example, Arte Moreno, owner of the Los Angeles Angels, explored selling his team in late 2022 but ultimately chose to retain ownership. Similarly, the Pohlad family recently decided to keep the Minnesota Twins after initially considering a sale.
The future of the Padres remains uncertain, as the Seidler family examines their options amidst a backdrop of significant community support and competitive performance.
