San Diego Padres Ownership Considers Sale Following Peter Seidler’s Death

The San Diego Padres announced Thursday that the family of the late Peter Seidler is examining a possible sale of the Major League Baseball franchise. John Seidler, Peter’s older brother and the team’s control person, said the process will be conducted “with integrity and professionalism” while honoring Peter’s contributions to the team.

Peter Seidler, who passed away in November at age 63, played a pivotal role in the Padres’ development, becoming the franchise’s largest stakeholder in 2020. He invested heavily in the roster, committing to long-term contracts for star players and running a payroll exceeding $250 million in 2023 with the goal of securing San Diego’s first championship.

Under Peter Seidler’s guidance, the Padres enjoyed the most successful stretch in franchise history, reaching the playoffs three times in four seasons and winning over 90 games in consecutive years. Petco Park has seen record attendance, drawing at least three million fans annually over the past three seasons.

However, the team has faced financial constraints since Peter’s death, including the loss of a local media contract in 2023 and a subsequent reduction in payroll, which has limited the flexibility of general manager A.J. Preller.

1. Financial and Operational Context

The Padres’ payroll has fluctuated in recent years due to both investment in star players and operational constraints. After Peter Seidler’s passing, the team reduced payroll by roughly a third in 2024, bringing it to $172 million, though it increased to about $215 million in 2025. These adjustments, combined with long-term contracts for Manny Machado, Xander Bogaerts, and Fernando Tatis Jr., have restricted the team’s roster maneuverability. Despite these challenges, the Padres have continued to compete at a high level, maintaining a core of talented players and remaining playoff contenders. Financial pressures and large player commitments have contributed to ongoing internal discussions regarding the franchise’s future. While the team has invested in success, the combination of limited revenue sources and long-term obligations has heightened the need for careful planning. As the team evaluates potential buyers, leadership is committed to sustaining competitiveness on the field and preserving the quality of the organization’s operations and community engagement.

2. Family Dynamics and Leadership Changes

Dissent has emerged within the Seidler family since Peter’s death. In January, Peter’s widow, Sheel, filed a lawsuit against two of his brothers, Robert and Matthew, seeking control of the team. She claimed that she and her three children had been “effectively ostracized” from the organization. The case remains in Texas probate court. Major League Baseball approved John Seidler as the Padres’ control person in February, giving him the authority to oversee operations and make executive decisions regarding the franchise. This development formalized leadership and clarified organizational hierarchy after Peter’s passing. Months of consultation with trusted advisors have now led the family to consider a sale. John Seidler emphasized that any decision will honor Peter’s legacy and ensure the long-term success of the Padres, signaling that maintaining competitive and operational stability is a top priority.

3. Moving Forward With the Sale Process

The Padres have engaged BDT & MSD Partners to guide the potential sale, marking the start of a formal process. John Seidler pledged that the team will remain focused on its players, employees, fans, and community while exploring ownership options. Despite the uncertainty, the organization remains committed to winning a World Series championship. John Seidler stressed that the team’s day-to-day operations and on-field goals will not be affected during the sale process. The potential sale highlights both the franchise’s strong market position and its value as a competitive team in Major League Baseball. Record attendance, a talented roster, and a solid infrastructure make the Padres an attractive asset for prospective buyers. The Seidler family’s approach indicates a balance between honoring Peter’s vision and responsibly evaluating the franchise’s future, ensuring that any transition preserves both legacy and competitiveness.