Longtime Los Angeles Lakers executives Joey and Jesse Buss are making a significant move in the realm of sports ownership by acquiring a stake in the San Diego Padres. The Buss brothers announced their investment on Wednesday, marking a new chapter for both their careers and the Padres, who are currently chasing an NL Wild Card spot this season.
New Ventures in Ownership
The investment comes through Buss Sports Capital, a sports investment firm that the Buss brothers launched in September 2025. They are joining a prominent ownership group led by Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano, which has received approval from Major League Baseball (MLB) at a record franchise valuation of $3.9 billion. This valuation speaks to the Padres' growing stature in the league and highlights the increasing interest in owning stakes in successful sports franchises.
Shifting Strategies in San Diego
Joey and Jesse Buss are stepping into the Padres’ ownership group at a pivotal time. As the Padres aim for their first three consecutive playoff appearances in franchise history, the Buss brothers' experience with one of the NBA's most storied franchises could provide valuable insights. Their prior roles in the Lakers organization focused heavily on scouting, where they played a key part in acquisitions that included rising star Austin Reaves.
Recent Developments with the Lakers
This ownership move follows a significant decision by the Buss family trust to sell their minority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers, which was passed by a majority vote. ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Joey and Jesse Buss's departure from their front office roles with the Lakers came earlier in the 2025-26 season, creating opportunities for them to pursue new ventures like the Padres.
Prior to the sale of their stake, the Buss family had retained a 17.8 percent ownership interest in the Lakers after selling a majority stake to Mark Walter for $10 billion. In light of recent developments, Jeanie Buss, who served as team governor, has been opposed to the decision to sell her family's stake, a move that has sparked some controversy. With a record $12.5 billion pending sale to an ownership group led by Josh Kushner and Bob Iger, the dynamic within the Lakers organization remains fluid.
The Dodgers Experience
The Buss brothers' attempted ownership of another Major League Baseball team is not without precedent. The Padres’ ownership transition from the Seidler family, who bought the team for $800 million in 2012, showcases the shifting landscapes of franchise values in professional sports. The unanimous approval from MLB owners indicates strong confidence in the new leadership and vision for the Padres. The Seidler family had key leadership throughout their ownership, especially following the passing of prominent figure Peter Seidler in 2023.
Looking Ahead
The Buss brothers’ entry into MLB ownership aligns them with the Padres as they look to capitalize on their competitive momentum this season. The Padres are currently in contention for a playoff spot, which could solidify their reputation and effectiveness as a franchise. A postseason berth would not only be a historic achievement but also enhance the value of the team even further, reflecting a vibrant sports market in San Diego.
A New Start
In summary, the Buss brothers' investment represents their transition from NBA executives to MLB owners. Their backgrounds in the fast-paced world of sports management are poised to bring fresh ideas and strategies to the Padres organization. As the MLB playoffs approach, all eyes will be on San Diego to see how the funds and insights from their new ownership group translate into success on the field. The changing landscape in professional sports ownership reveals both challenges and opportunities in navigating complex family dynamics and franchise values. For the Buss brothers, joining the Padres may prove to be the start of an exciting new chapter in their storied legacy.
