2026 is a year that could bring some huge opportunities for the New Orleans Saints to build their roster and improve as a franchise back to the levels they experienced from the late 2000s to the late 2010s. The success brought by Drew Brees and Sean Payton was immense, and after a recent election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the former, he may be extending his branches to new opportunities.
A recent report from MLB insiders Dennis Lin and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic indicates Brees could very much be involved in the sale of an MLB franchise. With Brees being a long-time fan of the San Diego Padres, he has reportedly joined forces with Joe Kudla, the owner and CEO of clothing brand Vuori:
Joe Kudla, the owner and CEO of Carlsbad, Calif.-based Vuori, has partnered with Drew Brees, who began his decorated NFL career with the San Diego Chargers, in pursuit of the Padres, according to industry sources who were granted anonymity to speak freely about the franchise’s sale process.
Also mentioned in the report is that there are five total offers at this point in time to purchase the franchise, including one from Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob and Chelsea Football Club consortium investor José E. Feliciano. It mentions that Kudla has a previous history with Brees as a workout partner and friend, who helps market for Vuori and attends Padres games.
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The price currently being asked for by the San Diego ownership is right around $3 billion, which is why many investment members have to group up nowadays to pool money. If this number is hit, it would be the record for an MLB franchise sale, breaking the previous record from 2020 by $580 million.
In recent years, the Padres have sent out an exceptional number in terms of team payroll, with the MLB having no true cap ceiling. Their estimated luxury tax payroll just for 2026 is set at $268,173,680, and from now until 2032, it is set at $1,137,463,616, validating the projected sale price, given that the stadium, television rights, branding, and other marketable factors will also be added on top.
Brees now has the opportunity to embark on his first professional sporting venture following his NFL career, and will be competing with other large-scale moguls to purchase his favorite baseball franchise.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints quarterback Drew Brees exploring purchase of MLB’s Padres
