New Ownership Era Begins with Championship Vow and Employee Bonuses
The San Diego Padres formally entered a new era Monday as José E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones held their introductory news conference in San Diego, marking the completion of their MLB-record $3.9 billion purchase of the team. The event opened with a song about the Padres written and performed by Jones, a professional singer, but the new owners were quick to shift focus to a larger goal.
"We need to win a World Series," Feliciano said, "It's that simple, and that's what we're going to do."
Multiple coverage of the conference captured the couple's energy. Three of the reports—from the Associated Press and affiliate coverage—described Feliciano and Jones as exuding energy and excitement in their first public appearance since finalizing the purchase earlier this month. The sale, announced in May and approved by Major League Baseball on Aug. 17, is the most expensive in league history, according to all accounts.
Feliciano is a private equity billionaire whose company also owns English soccer club Chelsea. The AP reports that Dodgers owner Mark Walter joined that company's Chelsea purchase in 2022. Alongside Jones, his wife and business partner, he now leads the Padres.
Championship Aspirations and Community Focus
Both new owners made championship ambitions clear. Jones vowed, "We are all in. It's not lip service... We're absolutely committed to this organization and we're absolutely overjoyed." She also emphasized that the couple's focus extends beyond these games, with plans to improve life in San Diego and nearby Baja California.
The Padres, a franchise still searching for its first title, are taking over during a strong season. Under general manager A.J. Preller, the team has made the playoffs four times in six years, and they have won 21 of their last 28 games entering Monday's news conference. The new owners praised former owner Peter Seidler's legacy and expressed support for CEO Erik Greupner and Prieler.
Care and expenses for the Outgoing Seidler family
Before the ownership officially passed, the Seidler family—who announced a sale of the team last November—gave performance bonuses to all full-time and part-time employees. The New York Post, the only outlet covering the development, reported that employees were told via email last week and that the bonuses were finalized after the transfer completed Monday.
Former chairman John Seidler explained the decision in a statement to the San Diego Union-Tribune: "The success of this franchise has always been about people, and so many dedicated individuals have contributed to the growth and accomplishments... This bonus is a way for our ownership group to say thank you to everybody who helped make that success possible through their hard work, drive, and commitment. The Yankees are deeply thankful for their contributions over the years."
Challenges Ahead: The Dodgers, Media, and Spending
While the new ownership team conveyed optimism, the AP reports also acknowledged obstacles. The Los Angeles Dodgers, a championship rival with a budget, remain a force; Feliciano's own company co-owns the Chelsea team with Mark Walter, the Dodgers owner. The Padres also lack a local media-rights deal, a factor that may limit revenue. Feliciano didn't say whether he would match Seidler's aggressive spending.
At the news conference, Feliciano chose jersey number 21 to honor Roberto Clemente, and Jones's song was partly inspired by a Fernando Tatis Jr. catch. Feliciano declined to provide backing vocal for the song, a detail included in the AP versions and Newsnight
Looking Ahead
With a first World Series within reach, the new own are inheriting a team that has earned its place in the conversation. While the task ahead is clear, neither Feliciano nor Jones offered specific financial or perhaps strategic details. The Feliciano family's departure included a gesture to employees that underscored the team's people first approach, setting the stage for a new chapter that'll write its own history.