Everything You Need To Know About Kwanza Jones, The First Black Woman To Own A Major League Baseball Team
In a historic milestone for professional sports, Kwanza Jones is set to become the first Black woman to hold a majority ownership stake in Major League Baseball history. According to MLB.com, on May 2, 2026, the San Diego Padres officially announced an agreement that Jones and her husband, private equity billionaire José E. Feliciano, will be purchasing the team from the Seidler family. The record-shattering deal values the club at $3.9 billion, the highest price ever paid for an MLB team, surpassing the sale of the New York Mets at $2.42 billion.
To make the sale complete, at least 22 out of 30 MLB owners must vote in favor of the transfer that is scheduled to take place during the league’s quarterly owners’ meeting in June 2026.
Following the death of Peter Seidler, the popular owner of the team in 2023, the Seidler family decided to explore a sale due to “internal splits over control and the high valuation of the team.”
When the sale process began in late 2025, it drew “tremendous interest” from potential buyers. By early spring 2026, the field was narrowed down to four finalists. John Seidler, Chairman of the Padres, chose the Jones-Feliciano bid not only for its record-breaking value but for the couple’s commitment to maintaining the “community-first” culture established by his brother.
The new ownership group led by Jones and Feliciano, is reportedly acquiring a 60% controlling stake in the franchise. The remaining 40% equity is held by existing investors, including members of the Seidler family, the current owners of the franchise.
In a joint statement, Jones and Feliciano shared their vision for the future of the Padres.
“The Padres are more than a baseball team; they are a unifying force in San Diego, rooted in community, connection, and belonging,” their joint statement read. “As life and business partners, and as a family, we are honored to lead this next chapter together.”
“We have worked hard for everything we have achieved, and we have built it together,” the continued. “We see that same spirit in this team and its fans, and we know what it takes to win.”
For MLB fans and those who are just simply rooting for everybody who’s Black, here’s everything you should know about Kwanza Jones, the first Black woman to own a Major League Baseball team.
She’s a Graduate of Princeton University
Jones is an alumna of Princeton University with a B.A. in Public and International Affairs. She later earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and a Master of Dispute Resolution from Pepperdine University.
She Was Crowned Miss Baltimore
Originally from Washington, DC, Jones won the title Miss Baltimore in 1995 aftere graudating from Princeton. She came in second place in the Miss Maryland beauty pageant.
She Worked In Law & Academia
Before pivoting to the financial sector, Jones was a working attorney and professor. She served as a court-appointed mediator for the New York City Civil Court, where she helped clients “to resolve disputes and reach mutually acceptable solutions.” She also taught cross-cultural negotiation as an adjunct professor at New York University.
She’s A Successful Recording Artist
After a chance meeting with music icon Quincy Jones, Jones was inspired to “pursue a music career.” Eventually, she won the legendary Amatuer competition at the Apollo Theater. She released several albums (Naked, Naked 2, Supercharged) and has had several tracks reach the Top 10 on the Billboard Dance charts, including hits like “Think Again” and “Turn It Up.”
She’s An Accomplished Entrepreneur
In her career, Jones has built a multifaceted business empire rooted in her philosophy of personal and professional empowerment. As the founder and CEO of SUPERCHARGED, she leads a motivational media company and lifestyle brand that integrates content, music, and high-impact events to drive personal development. She also recently launched The Apollo x Kwanza Jones Presents: Culture In Motion, a national roadshow that unites communities through arts and empowerment. Without question, her biggest business move to date is the acquisition of the San Diego Padres.
She’s a Generous Philanthropist
Alongside her husband, Jones co-founded The Jones-Feliciano Initiative, a grant-making and investment organization. To date, they have committed over $250 million to various social impact causes. In 2020, Jones and Feliciano made a landmark $20 million donation to Princeton University, the largest gift to the institution from Black and Latino donors at the time, which led to the naming of Kwanza Jones Hall. She also donated $ 1.5 Million to Bennet College in 2025. With a $6 million investment, she established the Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano Program for Clinical Education at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University in New York City.
