Kwanza Jones’ $3.9 Billion Agreement With The San Diego Padres Could Usher In The League’s First Black Woman Majority Owner
Major League Baseball could soon see a historic shift in ownership if a $3.9 billion agreement to transfer control of the San Diego Padres is approved.
The Padres announced that the Seidler family has agreed to sell control of the franchise to an investor group led by entrepreneur, philanthropist and artist Kwanza Jones and her husband, José E. Feliciano, co founder of Clearlake Capital. The agreement remains subject to MLB approval and customary closing conditions.
A Historic First For MLB Ownership
If the deal moves forward, Jones could become the first Black woman connected to a controlling ownership group in Major League Baseball history. Feliciano would also mark a major milestone as a Puerto Rican majority ownership figure in the league.
The ownership structure still matters. Reuters reported that the Jones Feliciano group is expected to own about 40 percent of the club, with Feliciano expected to serve as the team’s control person. That means Jones’ historic role is significant, but final ownership titles and MLB approval will determine how the league formally recognizes the milestone.
In a joint statement, Jones and Feliciano said the Padres represent more than baseball.
“The Padres are more than a baseball team; they are a unifying force in San Diego, rooted in community, connection, and belonging. As life and business partners, and as a family, we are honored to lead this next chapter together,” the couple said.
From Princeton To Padres Ownership
Jones has built a career across business, philanthropy, entertainment and education. She graduated from Princeton University, earned a law degree from Cardozo School of Law and later received a master’s in dispute resolution from Pepperdine University.
Before entering the national sports ownership conversation, Jones also made her mark as a performer, including winning Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater. She later founded her own independent music label and motivational media company.
Jones and Feliciano have also become major philanthropic donors. Their giving has focused heavily on education, including major contributions to Princeton and other institutions. In 2023, the couple became the first Black and Latino donors in Princeton’s history to have two residence halls named after them, according to reporting cited in the original story.
Padres Sale Still Needs Final Approval
The agreement now heads to Major League Baseball’s approval process. The sale is expected to be considered by MLB clubs at the league’s June meeting. Approval requires support from at least 75 percent of MLB owners, according to reporting on the deal.
If approved, the transaction would set a new record for an MLB franchise sale, topping the $2.4 billion purchase of the New York Mets by Steve Cohen in 2020. It would also begin a new chapter for the Padres following the death of longtime owner Peter Seidler, whose family has overseen the team through a period of major investment and playoff contention.
Jones and Feliciano said their goal is to build on the team’s connection to San Diego while pushing for a championship.
“This is about more than baseball,” they said, adding that their goal is to invest in community, deepen belonging and bring a World Series championship to San Diego.
