The family of late owner Peter Seidler is exploring a potential sale of the San Diego Padres, the team announced Thursday. Chairman John Seidler, Peter's older brother and the franchise's control person, will lead the process after months of careful consideration with trusted advisors.

Peter Seidler became the Padres' largest stakeholder in 2020 and invested heavily in the roster. He ran payroll higher than $250 million in 2023 before his death that November at age 63.

The Padres have faced internal discord since Peter Seidler's passing. In January, his widow Sheel sued two of his brothers, Robert and Matthew, seeking control of the team. She claimed she and her three children had been "effectively ostracized" from the organization.

Major League Baseball approved John Seidler as control person in February. The lawsuit remains pending in Texas probate court.

"We will undertake this process with integrity and professionalism in a way that honors Peter's legacy and love for the Padres and lays the foundation for the franchise's long-term success," John Seidler wrote in a statement.

The Padres have reached the playoffs three times in four years and won 90-plus games in consecutive seasons. Petco Park has drawn at least 3 million fans in each of the last three seasons, setting attendance records.

The franchise lost its local media contract early in the 2023 season, eliminating crucial fixed revenue. Payroll dropped from $250 million to roughly $172 million in 2024 before rising to approximately $215 million in 2025.

Long-term commitments to Manny Machado, Xander Bogaerts and Fernando Tatis Jr. have limited general manager A.J. Preller's flexibility. The team appointed BDT & MSD Partners to guide the potential sale process.