Photo credit: www.foxnews.com
Peter Seidler’s Widow Fights for Control of Padres Amid Family Dispute
The San Diego Padres are currently embroiled in a legal struggle regarding ownership following the death of Peter Seidler, the team’s former owner. His widow, Sheel Kamal Seidler, has initiated a lawsuit against Peter’s brothers, Matt and Bob, as she seeks to assert control over the franchise.
According to the lawsuit, Sheel claims that Peter intended for her to take charge of the team, with their children being the primary beneficiaries of the ownership. She alleges that her brothers-in-law are attempting to undermine Peter’s legacy and present themselves as the rightful heirs to the team.
In her complaint, Sheel has also pointed to instances of offensive communication from Bob’s wife directed at her, citing racially charged and derogatory messages. This aspect of the lawsuit adds a troubling dimension to an already contentious family dispute.
In a social media statement, Sheel expressed her perspective on the legal action, outlining the claims of breach of fiduciary duty and fraud made against Matt and Bob. She emphasized her reluctance in pursuing legal recourse, stating, “This was not a decision I made lightly… I am confident it is the right one, and the best way to protect the Padres franchise and ensure the vision that Peter and I shared for the team will continue.”
In response, Matt released a statement through Sportico, asserting that Sheel’s claims lack validity. He stated, “Peter had a clear estate plan,” referencing that Peter designated three of his nine siblings as trustees of his trust and expressly prohibited Sheel from assuming that role.
Peter Seidler passed away in November 2023 at the age of 63, having battled health issues that had not been publicly detailed, although he was a cancer survivor. Just months before his death, he expressed a vision for the Padres to remain a family-held entity for generations to come.
Instrumental in the Padres’ purchase in 2012, Peter was the founder of Seidler Equity Partners, playing a vital role alongside his uncle and others. He became the majority stakeholder in 2020 and took over as chairman after Ron Fowler stepped down.
In his tenure, Peter was known for making significant financial commitments to enhance the team’s competitiveness, particularly against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West. High-profile signings included substantial contracts for players like Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., Xander Bogaerts, and Yu Darvish.
Recent reports indicated that the Padres acquired a $50 million loan to help manage the financial obligations related to these lucrative contracts. The situation surrounding the franchise’s ownership and the ongoing legal battle underscores the complexities and potential challenges that may lie ahead for the Padres as they navigate this transition.
Source
www.foxnews.com