Padres' New Owners Vow: 'We Will Win It All'
Source: NBC 7 San Diego Sports. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
Baseball players have long chosen their own walkup music to fire up the crowd. Now, it seems, owners are getting in on the act. Jose E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones made their entrance as the new owners of the San Diego Padres by striding into the press conference to the thumping beats of "We All In," a dance track by Jones herself. The energy was unmistakable, and so was the message.
"We gonna win. We gonna win! We gonna win it all!" Feliciano declared, feeding off his partner's momentum. A self-described lifelong baseball fan, he added, "I won't tell you which team I used to root for, but right now I root for the Padres, and we need to win the World Series. It's that simple. That's what we're going to do."
The path to that championship, however, is a more complex discussion. The couple paid an MLB-record $3.9 billion for the franchise — with an estimated $1.7 billion coming from their own pockets — and also acquired a 30% stake in Petco Park. They officially took over on a Friday night, then watched their new team sweep the Minnesota Twins before crowds exceeding 40,000 each evening. That atmosphere, they say, is something they want to preserve and build upon, with winning as the surest catalyst.
"The Padres, this organization, is nothing without the fans. And we're here for you," Feliciano said. "We're here as part of this community, and we cannot promise that we're going to win. We hope that we're going to win, but we can promise that you're going to have our full dedication, engagement to try to make that happen."
On the topic of payroll and spending, Jones and Feliciano indicated that their approach will adapt year to year, depending on the shifting landscape of Major League Baseball and the team's performance. But they did vow to be aggressive in player acquisition when the timing is right. "We have been blessed with a team in a city that is supporting us in a way that is allowing us to invest back in that team, in the stadium, in that city, and we're committed to doing that," Feliciano said. "But we're always going to do it with keeping the long-term health of the team in mind."
At the end of the media session, the new owners donned fresh Padres jerseys. Feliciano chose number 21, honoring fellow Puerto Rico native Roberto Clemente. Jones opted for double zero, explaining, "I could have done (number) one like we're number one, but I did double zero. And one of the reasons is because there are zero limits, that we have zero limits and there are infinite possibilities."
Jones was not only talking about on-field results. The pair went to great lengths to express their respect for the work of the late Peter Seidler, the previous owner, and their intention to carry forward his legacy. "We understand that sports is much more than sports," Feliciano said. "Sports is just much more than the business. Sports is an integral part of the community. And in this case the Padres are, I think, one of the pillars of this city and this community. And we're looking forward to engaging in many ways."
Jones added, "It's family. It's one of the reasons we said we're family first, because the lens through which we look at this investment is very, very different. The commitment is very different. The outcomes that we know we want, we always want outsized outcomes. But here, we really are dedicated and committed to something beyond just a financial outcome."
Article commentary
The arrival of Jose E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones as the new owners of the San Diego Padres marks a significant chapter for the franchise, both financially and symbolically. The record-breaking $3.9 billion purchase price underscores the escalating valuation of Major League Baseball teams, driven by media rights, stadium assets, and the enduring appeal of live sports in a sunbelt market like San Diego. While the price tag raises eyebrows, it also reflects the confidence that the new owners have in the Padres' potential — a confidence they are not shy about broadcasting. Their bold declaration to "win it all" is reminiscent of the bravado that often accompanies new ownership, yet it carries weight given the substantial personal investment of $1.7 billion. The couple's emphasis on honoring Peter Seidler's legacy is strategic and sincere; Seidler was a beloved figure who transformed the Padres into a competitive and community-focused organization. By publicly aligning with his vision, Jones and Feliciano signal continuity and stability to a fan base that has experienced both playoff highs and ownership turmoil. However, the path to a championship is fraught with challenges. The Padres operate in a mid-market city with a passionate but relatively constrained fan base compared to larger markets. While the team has shown willingness to spend under Seidler — acquiring stars like Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. — the new owners must navigate the complex economics of MLB's luxury tax, revenue sharing, and the ever-present risk of long-term contracts hampering roster flexibility. Their pledge to be "aggressive" yet mindful of long-term health suggests a balanced approach, but the execution will be tested when free-agent opportunities arise or when the team underperforms. Another critical factor is the continued development of the farm system. The Padres have traded away prospects in recent years to win now, and replenishing the pipeline will be essential to sustain competitiveness without relying solely on high-priced acquisitions. Jones and Feliciano's background as private equity investors (Feliciano co-founded Clearlake Capital) may bring a data-driven, disciplined approach to player evaluation and payroll management — a contrast to the more emotional, big-spending style of some owners. Community engagement is another area where the new owners have already made a strong impression. By emphasizing family, zero limits, and the role of sports as a pillar of the city, they are building goodwill that can translate into ticket sales, sponsorships, and a loyal fan base. The choice of jersey numbers — Feliciano's honoring Clemente, Jones' symbolizing infinite possibilities — is a clever touch that personalizes their leadership. Ultimately, the success of Jones and Feliciano will be measured not just by a World Series trophy, but by their ability to sustain the Padres as a perennial contender in a competitive division while maintaining the trust of the community. Their first press conference set a confident tone, but the real test lies in the decisions made during the offseasons ahead. If they can match their bold words with smart, patient moves, San Diego may indeed have a new era to celebrate.