Drew Brees Reportedly Part of Group Interested in Buying Padres, Warriors' Joe Lacob Still in Mix

A new group featuring a Hall of Fame quarterback has emerged as the San Diego Padres continue their search for their next owner.

Per The Athletic's Dennis Lin and Ken Rosenthal, a group led by New Orleans Saints legend Drew Brees and Vuori owner and CEO Joe Kudla is in the mix for the Padres. The group led by Brees and Kudla is one of five currently set to bid for the club.

Brees, who retired in 2020, was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in 2001 and stayed with the team until 2005. According to The Athletic, Brees regularly attends Padres games.

Kudla attended the University of San Diego and his athleisure brand is based out of Carlsbad, just north of San Diego. The brand, which has featured endorsements with athletes like Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff and Texas quarterback Arch Manning, reached a $5.5 billion valuation more than a year ago, according to The Athletic.

Kudla told Charles Thorp of Men's Health last year that Brees is a "friend" and a "workout buddy."

Brees has developed quite the investment portfolio since his retirement, putting money into professional flag football, pickleball and more. He also helps with marketing for Vuori.

Brees and Kudla will have some stiff competition in their bid for the Padres. Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob, widely considered one of the most successful owners of the last decade, is among the suitors, along with English Premier League club owner José E. Feliciano.

The first round of offers for the team was due on Wednesday.

"We've had tremendous interest," Padres chairman John Seidler said last week, per The Athletic. "Some parties have been reported in the press. Others have not, and more parties are interested than has been reported. … In the next few months, the process will come to a logical conclusion."

Sportico gave the Padres a $2.31 billion valuation in its annual team valuation rankings in 2025.