IN THE NEWS

Source: AOL

SAN DIEGO (FOX5/KUSI) — The biggest storyline of the Padres’ offseason appears to be nearing a major milestone.

Sources say an agreement between the Seidler family and a preferred buyer could come as soon as early next week, moving the franchise one step closer to a long‑anticipated sale. The family first announced plans to sell the team in November, with a goal of completing a deal by June.

That goal is now well within reach.

The final round of bidding began Tuesday, with four finalist ownership groups submitting offers that are all hovering around the $3.5 billion mark. If completed at that level, the sale would set a new MLB record—surpassing the previous high of $2.4 billion, paid by Steve Cohen for the New York Mets in 2020.

Among the groups still in the running are some prominent names in professional sports ownership:

• José E. Feliciano, co‑owner of English Premier League club Chelsea
• Dan Friedkin, owner of EPL club Everton
• Tom Gores, owner of the Detroit Pistons
• Joe Lacob, lead owner of the Golden State Warriors

With all this movement, the Padres could soon be entering a new era with the highest price tag in Major League Baseball history.