Pistons owner, Chargers part owner Tom Gores in bidding for Padres ownership

The fourth bidder on the Padres is no longer a mystery.

The Athletic was first to break the news Wednesday that Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores is in the running for the MLB franchise.

Gores is the Chairman and CEO of Platinum Equity, which is headquartered in Beverly Hills.

In 2024 he purchased a 27 percent stake in the Los Angeles Chargers, 24 percent of which was previously owned by Dea Spanos Beberian – the sister of Chargers owner Dean Spanos. Dea’s sale of her portion of the franchise followed a legal battle between the siblings.

According to Forbes Gores is worth $10.1 billion. He became owner of the Pistons in 2011 and four years later took 100% ownership of the franchise.

The Padres are expected to sell for over $3 billion, which would be a record for a Major League Baseball franchise.

Also in the running for the Padres are Chelsea owner Jose E. Feliciano; San Diego native, Everton and AS Roma owner Dan Friedkin; and Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob.

The Athletic reported that final bids for the Padres are expected next month, and a deal could be in place by the end of April.