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Kwanza Jones Set to Become MLB’s First Black Woman Majority Owner

May 23, 2026

A husband-and-wife investment team led by Jose Feliciano and Kwanza Jones is set to acquire majority ownership of the San Diego Padres baseball team from the family of deceased former owner Peter Seidler. The historic $3. 9 billion transaction would make Jones the first Black woman to hold majority ownership of a Major League Baseball team in the sport's 123-year history.

Who is affected

  • Jose Feliciano and Kwanza Jones (prospective buyers)
  • The Seidler family (sellers and family of late Padres owner Peter Seidler)
  • The San Diego Padres organization
  • MLB clubs (voting on the approval)
  • The San Diego community

What action is being taken

  • The Seidler family is transferring majority ownership to the investment group led by Feliciano and Jones
  • MLB clubs are preparing to conduct a formal vote on the deal

Why it matters

  • This sale represents a historic milestone for diversity in professional sports ownership, as Kwanza Jones would become the first Black woman to hold majority ownership of an MLB team in the league's 123-year history. The record-breaking $3.9 billion valuation also reflects the increasing value of professional sports franchises. Additionally, the new owners have emphasized their commitment to community investment and making the team accessible for future generations.

What's next

  • A formal vote among all MLB clubs will take place at the league's quarterly meeting in June
  • The deal must be approved by the MLB clubs before being finalized

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint

Kwanza Jones Set to Become MLB’s First Black Woman Majority Owner