Who Is Dan Friedkin? The Billionaire Linked to a Potential Padres Ownership Move
The San Diego Padres may be heading for a change at the top, and fast. Reports suggest the franchise is actively entertaining bids, with a sale potentially moving through MLB offices in the near future. The timing isn’t random - with the current collective bargaining agreement set to expire on December 1, 2026, any incoming ownership group will want a seat at the table before the next round of negotiations begins.
One name emerging as a serious contender: Dan Friedkin.
If that name sounds familiar to San Diegans, it should. Friedkin’s roots run deep in the city.
His grandfather was a longtime San Diego resident and the founder of PSA Airlines, and his father, Thomas Friedkin, launched Gulf States Toyota - a multi-billion-dollar company that still thrives today. That kind of hometown connection isn’t just a footnote; it’s a meaningful tie that could resonate with a fanbase craving stability and local pride.
But Friedkin isn’t just another billionaire with a checkbook. He’s a sports guy - and not in the surface-level, courtside-seat kind of way.
He currently owns AS Roma, a storied Serie A soccer club in Italy, and he recently acquired Premier League side Everton. That’s not just portfolio padding - that’s hands-on involvement in two of the most competitive leagues in global sports.
He’s also reportedly had conversations with NHL officials about bringing a potential expansion team to Houston. So, when his name surfaces in connection with the Padres, it tracks.
This is someone who understands the business of sports but also lives and breathes it.
With an estimated net worth around $10 billion, Friedkin certainly has the financial muscle to make a serious play for the Padres. But what makes his candidacy particularly intriguing isn’t just the money - it’s the possibility of a local owner who understands the market, the fans, and the legacy of the team.
At 60 years old, Friedkin brings a mix of experience and long-term vision. His track record suggests he’s not the type to buy a franchise and sit back.
He invests, he builds, and he stays involved. That kind of leadership would be welcome in San Diego, especially in the wake of Peter Seidler, whose presence and passion left a lasting mark on the organization and the community.
While nothing is official yet - and Friedkin’s exact level of interest remains behind closed doors - his name being in the mix is significant. He checks a lot of boxes: local roots, deep pockets, sports acumen, and a willingness to invest in the long-term health of a franchise.
For Padres fans, that’s the kind of ownership profile that offers hope. Hope that the next chapter of Padres baseball won’t just be about change - it’ll be about building something sustainable, competitive, and uniquely San Diego.