Seidler promises Padres will never leave San Diego

Padres Staying Put: Seidler Delivers the Words San Diego Needed

For a city still nursing the sting of watching the Chargers pack their bags for Los Angeles, five words from Padres Chairman John Seidler landed like a collective exhale across San Diego on Monday.

The Padres are not moving.

Speaking to reporters at the team's spring training complex in Peoria, Arizona, Seidler addressed the elephant that has been lurking in every Gaslamp Quarter bar conversation since the family announced it was exploring a sale back in November. He made it crystal clear that any new owner will keep the franchise in America's Finest City.

The sale process, guided by advisory firm BDT & MSD Partners, has attracted heavyweight bidders including Golden State Warriors co-owner Joe Lacob, Everton and AS Roma owner Dan Friedkin, who was actually born in San Diego, and Chelsea-linked billionaire José Feliciano. The Seidler family reportedly wants around $3 billion, which would shatter the MLB record set when Steve Cohen bought the Mets for $2.42 billion in 2020. Current valuations peg the Padres at roughly $2.31 billion.

Seidler said the family wants a buyer with ties to San Diego and a deep love of both the city and baseball. He indicated the process should reach a conclusion within the next few months, potentially before the 2026 season ends.

The timing coincided with A.J. Preller signing a multiyear contract extension as general manager, signaling stability in the front office. The Padres have made the postseason four of the last six years, drawn over 3 million fans three consecutive seasons, and Petco Park remains one of baseball's crown jewels.

The Seidler family bought the team for $800 million in 2012. Whatever this sale lands at, San Diego fans care about one number: zero. As in zero chance of relocation.

Sources: MLB.com | NBC San Diego | Sportico | ESPN | Sports Illustrated | Forbes