The Big Lead

Widow of MLB owner sues brothers for control of team

By J.P. Hoornstra

Jul 7, 2022; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres former radio announcer and team ambassador Ted Leitner (left) shakes hands with Padres chairman Peter Seidler after being inducted into the Padres hall of fame before the game against the San Francisco Giants at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images
Jul 7, 2022; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres former radio announcer and team ambassador Ted Leitner (left) shakes hands with Padres chairman Peter Seidler after being inducted into the Padres hall of fame before the game against the San Francisco Giants at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images / Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images
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Sheel Seidler, the widow of Peter Seidler, has sued the late San Diego Padres owner's brothers for control of the franchise.

Sportico was first to report the details of the lawsuit, which include allegations that Bob and Matt Seidler have “irreconcilable conflicts of interest” and conspired to sell trust assets to themselves at “far-below-market prices” as they “schemed to solidify their control of the Padres.”

Peter Seidler died in Nov. 2023. Sheel Seidler alleges that his brothers are trying to “falsely cast themselves as Peter’s true heirs,” according to Sportico, and that Peter Seidler wanted her to assume control of the team.

Later Monday, Sheel Seidler wrote on her Twitter/X account an explanation of her rationale. "As the holder of the largest individual ownership stake in the San Diego Padres, and the sole beneficiary of the Seidler Trusts, which possess exclusive rights with respect to control of the franchise, I am seeking to be named the control person for the Padres," she wrote.

She concludes the letter by saying "I do not wish to litigate this matter in public, but rest assured I will do what it takes to protect my children, Peter's legacy, and this remarkable ball club. I look forward to a quick resolution so that we can - together — continue the work ahead."

Sportico reported that it sent emails to Matt and Bob Seidler, as well as a lawyer identified in the lawsuit as their agent of record, but did not receive an immediate response.

Update (Jan. 6): A spokesperson for the Peter Seidler Trust sent the following statement to The Big Lead:

“The complaint filed by Sheel Seidler, the widow of Peter Seidler, is entirely without merit. Peter had a clear estate plan. The plan specifically named three of his nine siblings, with whom he had worked closely for many decades, as successor trustees of his trust and Peter himself prohibited Sheel from ever serving as trustee. The trustee is exclusively responsible for designating the San Diego Padres’ next Control Person. In 2020 in connection with Peter’s appointment as Control Person, Sheel agreed in a sworn document that she had no right to be or to designate the Control Person and that she would not interfere with the designated Control Person. She also stated in May 2024 that John Seidler, Peter’s eldest brother, would be the best Control Person for the Padres. The Padres have already filed an application to Major League Baseball to appoint John.

A lifelong baseball fan, seasoned business executive and current minority owner, John has the right experience and shares Peter’s vision for the Padres: ensure there is a consistently competitive team on the field and a best-in-class fan experience, with the goal of bringing championship caliber baseball to San Diego. Planning for the 2025 season is well underway, and we look forward to pursuing the franchise’s first World Series title.”

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