The San Diego Padres ownership group has expanded with the addition of Joey and Jesse Buss, who acquired an approximate 5% stake in the Major League Baseball franchise through their investment firm, Buss Sports Capital. The transaction follows a record-shaping purchase of the club led by Jose E. Feliciano and his wife, singer-songwriter Giana Jones.
Record-Setting 3.9 billion Dollar Valuation Backs Padres Acquisition
Jose E. Feliciano, co-founder and managing partner of the private equity firm Clearlake Capital, completed the acquisition of the San Diego Padres alongside Giana Jones at a valuation of 3.9 billion dollars. That valuation stands as the highest ever recorded for an acquisition in Major League Baseball history. ESPN reported that the Buss brothers secured a minority stake of roughly 5% within the new ownership structure.
Buss Sports Capital Enters Professional Baseball Operations
The entry into Major League Baseball marks the first major commercial transaction for Buss Sports Capital. The firm was established by Joey and Jesse Buss after the Buss family sold its controlling stake in the Los Angeles Lakers to billionaire businessman Mark Walter last year. Despite their move into baseball, sources indicate the brothers continue to explore potential investment opportunities in the upcoming NBA Europe league.
Advisory Roles and Decades of Basketball Experience
Following their investment, Joey and Jesse Buss will join the San Diego Padres advisory committee. Both executives intend to apply their experience in player development, payroll management, and roster construction to support the franchise. In a public statement, Joey Buss noted they grew up in San Diego as lifelong fans of the team and expressed pride in contributing to its future. Jesse Buss highlighted their nearly two decades working in professional basketball operations, noting they learned directly from their father before applying those lessons to talent evaluation and long-term organizational planning.
Ownership Realignment and National League West Context
The partnership between the Buss brothers and the San Diego Padres arrives amid wider ownership shifts across Southern California professional sports. One week prior to the announcement, five members of the Buss family voted to sell their remaining 17.8% stake in the Los Angeles Lakers to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger. Iger and Kushner agreed to acquire the Lakers from Mark Walter at a 125 billion dollar valuation. Controlling Lakers governor Jeanie Buss has contested the sale through her attorney, Adam Streisand. Mark Walter also maintains ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who currently lead the National League West division ahead of the second-place Padres.
