2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the New Orleans Saints and their former star quarterback, Drew Brees. With Brees recently inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, his legacy in New Orleans is secure.
But it seems he's not done making headlines. Reports suggest Brees is eyeing a new venture-one that could see him crossing over into the world of Major League Baseball.
According to insiders, Brees is teaming up with Joe Kudla, the CEO of Vuori, to bid for ownership of the San Diego Padres. Brees' connection to San Diego runs deep; he started his illustrious NFL career with the Chargers there.
The duo's bid is one of five vying for the Padres, with other potential buyers including Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob and Chelsea Football Club investor José E. Feliciano.
The Padres, known for their hefty payroll, are on the market with an asking price of around $3 billion. If this deal goes through, it would set a new record for an MLB franchise sale, surpassing the previous high by $580 million. This price tag reflects not only the team's on-field investments but also the value of their stadium, TV rights, and branding potential.
Brees is no stranger to high-stakes competition, and this venture into MLB ownership is his first major move in professional sports since hanging up his cleats. With his passion for the Padres and a strong partnership with Kudla, Brees is poised to make a significant impact in the baseball world.
As the Padres continue to invest heavily in their roster, their luxury tax payroll for 2026 is projected at over $268 million, with long-term commitments reaching over $1.1 billion by 2032. These figures underscore the franchise's ambition and the potential for growth under new ownership.
For Brees, this opportunity represents a new chapter, blending his love for sports with the business acumen he's developed over years in the NFL. As the bidding process unfolds, all eyes will be on how this legendary quarterback navigates his way into the MLB.