Tom Gores is looking to expand his sports portfolio.
The Detroit Pistons’ billionaire owner is in the running to purchase the San Diego Padres, a source with knowledge of the situation confirmed to the Free Press. The story initially was reported by The Athletic. Gores, the founder of Beverly Hills-based private equity firm Platinum Equity, also owns a 27% stake of the Los Angeles Chargers.
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According to The Athletic, the Padres could sell for more than $3.5 billion – which would set a new record for the MLB. The previous MLB record was set by the New York Mets, who were purchased for $2.42 billion by Steve Cohen in 2020.
ON THE COURT: Kevin Huerter finally delivering value for Detroit Pistons after trade
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Detroit Pistons wrap up homestand with visit from New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (2) shoots on Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons wrap up homestand with visit from New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (2) shoots on Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons wrap up homestand with visit from New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans Pelicans guard Saddiq Bey (41) is defended by Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons wrap up homestand with visit from New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) dribbles defended by Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons wrap up homestand with visit from New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans Pelicans center Derik Queen (22) is defended by Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons wrap up homestand with visit from New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans’ Saddiq Bey dribbles on Detroit Pistons guard Kevin Huerter (27) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons wrap up homestand with visit from New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans Pelicans center DeAndre Jordan (6) and Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) tip off in the first half at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
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Detroit Pistons wrap up homestand with visit from New Orleans Pelicans
Detroit Pistons mascot Hooper fires up the crowd before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
Gores is reportedly bidding against three other groups led by billionaires José E. Feliciano, Dan Friedkin and Joe Lacob. Feliciano is the co-founder of investment firm Clearlake Capital, which owns Chelsea Football Club.
Friedkin, the chairman and CEO of The Friedman Group, is the owner and chairman of Everton FC and AS Roma.
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Lacob is the principal owner of both the Golden State Warriors and Golden State Valkyries.
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores in mix to buy San Diego Padres