Sports
Padres announce agreement to transfer ownership to Jones-Feliciano group
Jun 13, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a San Diego Padres batting helmet and baseball bat on the field at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The San Diego Padres announced on Saturday an agreement to transfer control of the franchise to a new ownership group led by investors Kwanza Jones and Jose E. Feliciano, who reportedly had bid a record $3.9 billion.
The framework for the deal had been agreed to in April, according to multiple reports, and still needs the approval of 75% of the MLB owners to finalize the sale. A vote could occur at the next quarterly owners meeting in June.
If approved, the sale price would shatter the previous record for an MLB franchise established when Steve Cohen purchased the New York Mets for $2.42 billion in 2020.
“The Padres are more than a baseball team; they are a unifying force in San Diego, rooted in community, connection, and belonging,” Jones and Feliciano, who are married, said in joint statement released through the team. “As life and business partners, and as a family, we are honored to lead this next chapter together.
“We have worked hard for everything we have achieved, and we have built it together. We see that same spirit in this team and its fans, and we know what it takes to win.”
Private equity billionaire Feliciano, founder of Clearlake Capital and part owner of the English Premier League’s Chelsea FC, and Jones were in the pool of bidders engaged by the Seidler Family to buy the team.
Longtime owner Peter Seidler died in 2023 and family was split on control of the team. John Seidler, currently chairman of the Padres, said in November the franchise would be sold. Forbes’ valuation of the Padres entering the 2026 season was $3.1 billion.
Feliciano and Clearlake Capital own more than 60% of Chelsea.
“We are committed to showing up, listening, and earning the trust of this community, while building on the strong foundation established by the Seidler family,” Jones and Feliciano said in their statement.
“This is about more than baseball — it’s about boosting the pride, energy, and connection that define the Padres, investing in community, deepening belonging, and ensuring this team remains accessible and endures for generations. We are all in — with the goal of bringing a World Series championship to San Diego.”
The Padres have not announced terms on the purchase nor specifics on the investor group. ESPN and The Athletic reported that Feliciano and Jones will have up to a 40% equity in the team, while some members and associates of the Seidler family will keep some equity.
The Athletic reported that the new ownership will buy about 60% of the franchise, with other investors expected to include the Jacobs family of San Diego, whose patriarch Irwin Jacobs co-founded Qualcomm, and the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation. Other potential investors would include a group led by Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees and Vuori investor Michael Persall, per The Athletic.
Feliciano is expected to become control person, succeeding John Seidler, who is Peter Seidler’s eldest brother.
“I’m thrilled that after a highly competitive process, Kwanza Jones and Jose E. Feliciano will become the next majority owners of the Padres,” John Seidler said in a statement. “When I became control person, my goal was to continue building on our recent success in pursuit of a World Series championship for the city of San Diego and our faithful fans. Now, as I pass the baton to Kwanza and Jose, I do so with full confidence that they share that vision, as well as the Padres deep commitment to San Diego. It’s what the team, our fans, and the community deserve.
“Our family loves this team,” he continued. “This is a bittersweet moment for us as we reflect on what the Padres have accomplished since my brother Peter became the steward of the franchise. I congratulate Kwanza, Jose, and the Padres, and wish them nothing but success. We look forward to a smooth transition.”
–Field Level Media
Sports
Former WNBA MVP Tina Charles retires after 14 seasons
Aug 21, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Connecticut Sun center Tina Charles (31) reacts after his basket against the Washington Mystics in the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images Eight-time All-Star and former WNBA Most Valuable Player Tina Charles announced her retirement Tuesday after 14 seasons with six teams.
Charles, 37, is the league’s all-time leader in made field goals (3,364) and rebounds (4,262) and ranks second with 8,396 points behind only Diana Taurasi (10,646).
The 6-foot-4 center posted Tuesday on X that she had “experienced the highest highs and lowest lows, and I’m thankful for all of it.”
“At some point, you have to edit your life,” Charles wrote. “Not everything and not everyone is meant for the whole journey. Growth requires honesty, and for me, that meant recognizing when my impact was being called in a new direction.”
Charles never won a WNBA championship but won two national championships at UConn and three Olympic gold medals with Team USA.
The No. 1 pick in the 2010 WNBA Draft by the Connecticut Sun, Charles won 2010 Rookie of the Year and 2012 Most Valuable Player honors. She led the league in scoring twice and rebounding four times while making nine All-WNBA teams and four All-Defensive teams. She twice won the Dawn Staley Award for community leadership.
Charles averaged 17.8 points and 9.0 rebounds in 473 games (464 starts) with the Sun (2010-13, 2025), New York Liberty (2014-19), Washington Mystics (2021), Phoenix Mercury (2022), Seattle Storm (2022) and Atlanta Dream (2024).
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert issued a lengthy statement on Tuesday.
“Tina Charles has defined excellence and consistency throughout one of the most remarkable careers in WNBA history. From earning unanimous Rookie of the Year honors to being named league MVP, to becoming the WNBA’s all-time leading rebounder and second all-time leading scorer, Tina’s impact on the game will be felt for generations to come.
“Beyond her extraordinary accomplishments, Tina has represented the very best of the WNBA throughout her career. Through her leadership and dedication to giving back — including her work with her Hopey’s Heart Foundation — she has made a meaningful impact far beyond the game, earning the Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award twice. On behalf of the WNBA, I want to thank Tina for her lasting contributions to the league and the sport of basketball. Her legacy will be defined not only by her excellence on the court, but by the standard she set as a leader, a teammate, and a champion for the communities she touched.”
–Field Level Media
Sports
Report: Seahawks land Dante Fowler on 1-year deal
New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields (7) was able to throw the ball before Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (13) was able to get to him, Sunday, October 5, 2025. Veteran edge rusher Dante Fowler Jr. is signing a one-year deal worth up to $5 million with the Seattle Seahawks, NFL Network reported on Tuesday.
Fowler serves as the Seahawks’ answer to losing Boye Mafe to the Cincinnati Bengals in free agency. Seattle did not select an edge rusher during the 2026 NFL Draft.
Fowler, who turns 32 in August, visited the Seahawks prior to the draft. He’ll see a familiar face in Seattle defensive coordinator Aden Durde, who was an assistant in Atlanta and Dallas.
Fowler recorded 15 tackles and three sacks in 17 games (11 starts) with the Cowboys in 2025.
He has 294 tackles, 58.5 sacks, 15 forced fumbles, an interception and five fumble recoveries in 159 career games (58 starts) with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2016-18), Los Angeles Rams (2018-19), Falcons (2020-21), Washington Commanders (2024) and Cowboys (2022-23, 2025). He was selected by the Jaguars with the third overall pick of the 2015 NFL Draft.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Phil Mickelson out of LIV Virginia, PGA Championship status uncertain
Aug 22, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Phil Mickelson of HyFlyers GC walks the course during the quarterfinals of the LIV Golf Michigan Team Championship at The Cardinal at Saint John’s Resort. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images Phil Mickelson will miss this week’s LIV Golf Virginia tournament and his status for next week’s PGA Championship is uncertain, according to multiple reports on Tuesday.
The six-time major winner has only participated in one event on the 2026 LIV Golf schedule due to a family health matter.
Mickelson, 55, finished T48 at LIV Golf South Africa in March before missing last month’s Masters, where he is a three-time champion.
Scott Vincent will replace the HyFlyers GC captain for this week’s LIV Golf tournament at Trump National Golf Club in Washington, D.C.
As a two-time winner, Mickelson has a lifetime exemption into the PGA Championship. This year’s tournament will be held from May 14-17 at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pa.
–Field Level Media
Former WNBA MVP Tina Charles retires after 14 seasons
Report: Seahawks land Dante Fowler on 1-year deal
