Kwanza Jones and Jose E. Feliciano were introduced as the new principal owners of the San Diego Padres on Monday, following their $3.9 billion acquisition of the franchise from the Seidler family. The pair addressed media at Petco Park, where Feliciano also participated in a ceremonial pitching session and batting practice.
New owners outline ambitions
Jones, a singer and songwriter, delivered an energetic address during the introductory press conference, declaring the team’s intent to win a World Series title. “We gonna win. We gonna win. We’re going to win, win it all,” Jones said, accompanied by hand gestures. Feliciano, co-founder of Clearlake Capital, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing a commitment to postseason success. The Padres currently hold the third National League Wild Card spot with a 71-61 record.
Feliciano, whose net worth is reported at $3.9 billion, is not new to sports ownership. Clearlake Capital co-led the 2022 acquisition of Chelsea FC in the Premier League. Jones, his wife, is a former recording artist who also captured media attention by taking a photo of the assembled press during the event.
Background on the sale and transition
The sale of the Padres concluded earlier this month after months of internal disputes among the Seidler family, which had owned the team since 1990. The transition follows a period of uncertainty for Padres fans, including a 2022 lawsuit filed by the widow of former owner Peter Seidler against his brothers over control of the franchise. The Seidler brothers had initially stated they had “no plans to sell.”
Feliciano, a longtime New York Yankees fan, joked about his natural affinity for rooting against the Los Angeles Dodgers, a rival team frequently referenced in Padres fan culture. “Rooting against the Dodgers comes naturally to me,” he said. The Padres’ current season outlook includes a potential playoff berth, with the team positioned for postseason contention as the regular season progresses.
Ownership stakes and financial details
The $3.9 billion sale represents one of the highest valuations in MLB history. Clearlake Capital, Feliciano’s investment firm, is ranked among the world’s largest private equity firms. The transaction was finalized after months of negotiations, culminating in the transfer of ownership from the Seidler family to the new ownership group.
The Padres have not won a World Series in franchise history, with their most recent appearance in 1998. The new ownership’s stated goal of immediate success has generated optimism among fans, though the team’s performance in the coming months will determine whether their ambitions align with on-field results.