Widow of former Padres owner sues his brothers for control of team
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The Padres honored former owner Peter Seidler before the Opening Day game in 2024. Photo: Brandon Sloter/Getty Images
Sheel Seidler, the widow of former Padres chairman Peter Seidler, is suing his brothers for control of the franchise.
Why it matters: The power struggle could upend a franchise in the midst of the most successful stretch in its history.
Driving the news: Sheel Seidler filed the claim in Texas Monday against Matthew and Robert Seidler, alleging the brothers breached their fiduciary duties over the Seidler Trust, which controls the Padres.
- She's looking to revoke the appointment of John Seidler as the Padres' control person, which the team announced in December.
- While no person or group owns a majority of the team, Sheel said she holds the largest individual ownership stake, and is the sole beneficiary of the trust, the Union-Tribune reported.
What she's saying: "I am seeking to be named the control person for the Padres," Sheel wrote in a statement on X.
- She said the lawsuit was a last resort aimed at protecting her family and "carry out Peter's legacy."
Catch up quick: The Padres announced in December that John Seidler, Peter's oldest brother, would take over the franchise following MLB approval.
- Eric Kutsenda has been interim control person since the club's late owner died in 2023.
Between the lines: The complaint argues that Peter intended Sheel to take over the team.
- It includes an image of a handwritten note titled "future control person," with Sheel listed first, followed by their three children.
- The complaint alleges the brothers tried to sell some of the trust's assets to themselves at below-market rates.
The other side: The Peter Seidler Trust issued a statement calling the complaint "entirely without merit" as Peter had "a clear estate plan" naming three of his siblings as successor trustees and "prohibited Sheel from ever serving as trustee."
- The trustee designates the Padres' next control person, which Sheel previously agreed in a sworn document that she had no right to be or to designate, the statement says.
The Padres told the New York Times they do not comment on pending legal matters, and MLB declined to comment.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to include comments from the Peter Seidler Trust.