Quick Facts: San Diego Padres
| Owner | Seidler family trust (following Peter Seidler’s death in 2023) |
| Managing Principal | Seidler estate administrators |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Headquarters | San Diego, California, USA |
| Ownership Type | Private |
| Stock Ticker | N/A |
| Publicly Traded | No |
Who Owns the San Diego Padres?
The San Diego Padres have been owned primarily by Peter Seidler and a group of co-investors since their purchase of the franchise in 2012. Seidler, a member of the O’Malley family (heirs of legendary Brooklyn Dodgers and Los Angeles Dodgers owner Walter O’Malley), led a group that acquired the Padres for approximately $800 million from John Moores. Seidler served as Managing Principal and the driving force behind the franchise’s aggressive spending and roster-building efforts. Tragically, Peter Seidler passed away on November 20, 2023, after a battle with illness, leaving the franchise in the hands of his estate and the Seidler family trust.
Following Seidler’s death, the ownership structure shifted to the Seidler family trust, with longtime co-owner and co-chairman Ron Fowler having previously stepped back from active management. The franchise has been administered by the estate while the family assesses long-term ownership options for the club. Baseball operations continue under President of Baseball Operations A.J. Preller, who built the team’s core through major acquisitions including Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts, pursuing what became known as a “win now” approach.
The Padres have played in San Diego since their founding as a National League expansion team in 1969. The ownership group that Seidler assembled was characterized by its willingness to spend aggressively in pursuit of a World Series championship. The team made the NLCS in 2022 before being eliminated by the Philadelphia Phillies, and has consistently ranked among MLB’s biggest spenders on player payroll under the Seidler ownership era. The franchise plays its home games at Petco Park in downtown San Diego, one of baseball’s most celebrated modern ballparks.
About the Seidler Ownership Era
Peter Seidler brought a deep-rooted connection to baseball to San Diego, having grown up in the Dodgers family through his great-uncle Walter O’Malley. He was passionate about building a championship team and was not shy about committing resources — the Padres signed superstar third baseman Manny Machado to a then-record $300 million contract extension in 2019, a signal that the franchise was committed to being a perennial contender. Ron Fowler, a beverage industry entrepreneur, was co-chairman alongside Seidler and played a key role in the franchise’s business operations. The Seidler-led partnership purchased the team for approximately $800 million in 2012, a valuation that has grown dramatically as MLB franchise values have soared.
Key Ownership Highlights
- Peter Seidler led the franchise from 2012: Seidler’s ownership group purchased the San Diego Padres in 2012 and he served as the Managing Principal for over a decade, overseeing a dramatic increase in player spending and the construction of a contending roster.
- Peter Seidler passed away in November 2023: The principal owner of the Padres, Peter Seidler, died on November 20, 2023, after battling illness. His passing left the franchise under the stewardship of the Seidler family trust, creating an uncertain period in the club’s ownership.
- A.J. Preller has led baseball operations: President of Baseball Operations A.J. Preller has been the architect of the Padres’ roster under the Seidler era, signing Manny Machado, Xander Bogaerts, Yu Darvish, and other high-profile players as the team pursued a championship.
- Petco Park is the team’s home: The Padres play at Petco Park in downtown San Diego, which opened in 2004 and is consistently ranked among the best ballparks in Major League Baseball for its design, atmosphere, and urban setting.
- The Seidler family has deep baseball roots: Peter Seidler was the great-grandnephew of Walter O’Malley, the legendary owner who moved the Dodgers from Brooklyn to Los Angeles. This lineage gave Seidler an intimate connection to baseball history and a deep appreciation for the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns the San Diego Padres?
Following the death of principal owner Peter Seidler in November 2023, the San Diego Padres are controlled by the Seidler family trust. The franchise is administered by the estate while long-term ownership arrangements are evaluated. A.J. Preller continues to lead baseball operations.
When did Peter Seidler buy the Padres?
Peter Seidler’s ownership group purchased the San Diego Padres in 2012 for approximately $800 million from prior owner John Moores. Seidler served as Managing Principal of the franchise from 2012 until his death in November 2023.
Are the San Diego Padres publicly traded?
No. The San Diego Padres are a privately held franchise and are not publicly traded on any stock exchange.
Who is the General Manager of the Padres?
A.J. Preller serves as the President of Baseball Operations for the San Diego Padres. He has been the key architect of the team’s roster since being hired in 2014, overseeing major signings and trades to build a contending team.
