Sep 22, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (13) celebrates after the Padres clinched a spot in the National League Wild Card Series by beating the Milwaukee Brewers at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
San Diego, California – The San Diego Padres — one of Major League Baseball’s most passionate and community-rooted franchises — are officially on the market.
On Thursday morning, the Seidler family announced that it has begun exploring a potential sale of the team, marking a major turning point for a franchise that has spent the last decade rewriting what’s possible for baseball in San Diego.
In a statement addressed directly to fans, Padres controlling partner John Seidler said the family has hired BDT & MSD Partners, a firm known for managing large sports and media transactions, to guide the process.
“The family has decided to begin a process of evaluating our future with the Padres, including a potential sale of the franchise,” Seidler said. “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.”
Seidler emphasized that the organization will continue operating at full strength throughout the sale process, maintaining its focus on building a roster capable of delivering San Diego’s first World Series championship.
“We remain fully committed to you, this team, and the San Diego community,” he added. “We’re also committed to finding a new steward for the franchise who shares Peter’s vision — to continue fielding a consistently competitive team and win a World Series championship for San Diego.”
The statement closed with a direct message to the fan base that helped transform the Padres from a small-market club into one of baseball’s most vibrant and well-supported teams:
“I want to thank you for your faithful support of the Padres. We are fortunate and grateful to have such amazing fans.”
The announcement comes less than two years after the passing of Peter Seidler, the beloved owner who redefined baseball in San Diego. Seidler took control of the franchise in 2012 and spent the next decade pushing the organization to unprecedented heights — dramatically raising payroll, investing in player development, and fostering a deep connection between the team and the community.
Under his leadership, the Padres became a legitimate contender, reaching the NLCS in 2022 and routinely boasting one of MLB’s highest attendance figures. Petco Park became the envy of the league, a sellout destination night after night.
Even amid inconsistent results on the field, Seidler’s unwavering commitment to winning and to the city of San Diego earned him the respect of fans, players, and executives across baseball. His passing in November 2023 left both a personal and symbolic void — one that Thursday’s announcement brings into sharper focus.
While the search for new ownership begins, Padres officials have made it clear that relocation is not on the table. A team spokesperson said that any potential sale would include strict provisions to keep the Padres in San Diego permanently.
