SAN DIEGO — The Seidler family announced Thursday that it has begun a formal process to explore strategic options for the San Diego Padres, including a possible sale of the franchise. The move follows months of internal discussions and consultations with advisors as the club prepares for the 2026 season and considers its long-term future.
John Seidler, chairman of the Padres and a representative of the family trust, said the decision marks the beginning of a disciplined evaluation of the franchise’s next chapter. “The family has decided to begin a process of evaluating our future with the Padres, including a potential sale of the franchise,” Seidler said in a statement. “We will undertake this process with integrity and professionalism in a way that honors Peter’s legacy and love for the Padres and lays the foundation for the franchise’s long-term success.”
The announcement comes nearly a year after the passing of longtime chairman and owner Peter Seidler, whose vision and investment helped reshape the organization. Under his leadership, the Padres dramatically increased payroll, committed long-term deals to star players and pushed aggressively to compete for a World Series title. The franchise reached the postseason twice in recent years and advanced to the National League Championship Series in 2022, but it has yet to capture the championship Seidler openly chased.
As the review gets underway, the club has retained BDT & MSD Partners, a firm that specializes in advising family-run and founder-led businesses, to guide the process. The group will help the Seidler family evaluate all available options, ranging from maintaining control of the team with revised ownership structures to bringing in new strategic partners or pursuing a full sale. No timeline was provided, and the organization emphasized that no outcome has been predetermined.
The Padres stressed that baseball operations and business plans remain fully intact during the review. “During the process and as we prepare for the 2026 season, the Padres will continue to focus on its players, employees, fans, and community while putting every resource into winning a World Series championship,” Seidler said. “We remain fully committed to this team, its fans, and the San Diego community.”
The potential sale of a major league franchise of the Padres’ profile would immediately spark widespread interest across the sports and investment world. MLB club valuations have surged in recent years, and the Padres—bolstered by strong attendance, a burgeoning local market and a roster with recognizable star power—would be viewed as a premier opportunity for prospective buyers.
Still, the family’s statement made clear that honoring Peter Seidler’s legacy is central to the process. Known for his deep philanthropy and devotion to San Diego, he frequently described the Padres as a civic institution and championed an ambitious vision for the team’s future.
While speculation about potential suitors is likely to grow, the Seidler family said it does not intend to comment further until the process is complete.