The San Diego Padres have entered a new and vibrant chapter with the formal introduction of their new co-owners, Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano. Their recent public appearance at Petco Park signaled a clear dedication to both on-field success and deep community engagement, promising a fresh direction for the franchise. This transition concludes a period of uncertainty, ushering in an era defined by renewed energy and a commitment to the team's future.
New Padres Owners Unveil Vision for Victory and Community Engagement in San Diego
On a bright Monday, August 24, 2026, at 10:25 PM UTC, at Petco Park, the San Diego Padres officially welcomed their new co-owners, José E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones, to the city. While their ownership began on the preceding Friday, this event marked their first public address, broadcast live and available on the Padres' YouTube channel. The esteemed Padres broadcaster, Don Orsillo, skillfully hosted the proceedings, with Padres CEO Erik Greupner formally introducing the married couple and their business partnership to the San Diego media and fan base.
Jones and Feliciano presented a united front, articulating a strong desire for the team to achieve championship success. They emphasized their commitment to becoming an essential part of both the Padres organization and the broader San Diego community. Their tenure will commence with a phase of active listening and learning, aimed at understanding the intricacies of the team and the city's unique culture. Beyond aspirations for victory, they passionately conveyed a vision for community involvement and philanthropic endeavors, viewing themselves as responsible stewards of the franchise.
Feliciano notably expressed his intention to uphold "Peter's legacy," referencing former owner Peter Seidler's contributions. He resonated with fans by stating, "We are nothing without the fans." Kwanza Jones, with palpable enthusiasm, shared her joy at officially being a part of the Padres family, declaring, "We are all in." Despite acknowledging that a championship isn't guaranteed, she confidently added, "We gonna win!", eliciting a smile from her husband. Both partners reiterated Seidler's spirit by advocating to "Dream big — do the impossible." Feliciano highlighted the Padres' distinctive character and the opportune timing of their acquisition, describing it as the "right bid, right place, right time."
The new owners also underscored their commitment to San Diego's diverse population, specifically mentioning the communities of Baja, the Sycuan Nation, and the Hispanic, Asian, and African American populations. Jones, a former Division I athlete at Princeton, and Feliciano both emphasized their competitive drive, vowing that their ownership, like the team itself, should not be underestimated. Their focus on philanthropy, particularly in supporting and expanding the initiatives of the Padres Foundation that Peter Seidler began, will involve extensive community dialogue before significant action. In a lighthearted moment, Jones sought recommendations from the audience for a new home in San Diego, acknowledging the local sentiment regarding Los Angeles, their current primary residence. Feliciano, who previously supported the Los Angeles team, assured everyone of his unwavering dedication to the Padres now. CEO Greupner concluded by expressing his confidence in the couple, stating, "I can't think of a better fit for where we need to go as an organization."
The arrival of Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano as the new owners of the San Diego Padres marks a pivotal moment for the franchise. Their demonstrated passion, intelligence, and clear intentions suggest a bright future, characterized by a renewed pursuit of excellence and a deep commitment to the community. This leadership change could inspire a wave of optimism and invigorate both the team and its dedicated fan base, promising not just competitive sports but also meaningful social engagement.
