The San Diego Padres, fresh off one of their most thrilling seasons in recent memory, are now caught in a real-life drama that could rock the foundation of the franchise. At the center of the storm? A lawsuit filed by Sheel Seidler, the widow of the late Padres chairman Peter Seidler, against his brothers, Matthew and Robert Seidler, and the stakes? Control of the team and the future of one of baseball’s most exciting, big-spending clubs.

Under Peter Seidler’s leadership, the Padres pushed all-in, aggressively building a championship contender. But now, just as the team seems poised to take that next step, the ownership structure is in turmoil. Sheel Seidler is accusing Peter’s brothers of breaching their fiduciary duties over the Seidler Trust, which controls the Padres. 

Sheep Seidler’s brother-in-law, John Seidler, was assigned to the position of control person back in December. However, Sheel feels that she should be the team’s leader going forward in accordance with Peter’s desires. Why? According to Sheel, she is the only beneficiary of the trust that governs the Padres and has the biggest individual ownership stake in the organization. That, in her opinion, gives her the authority to intervene legally. 

In fact, she cites a handwritten statement from Peter that seems to designate her as the primary control person, followed by their three kids. Furthermore, according to her lawsuit, Peter’s brothers attempted to sell trust assets to themselves at below-market prices. That in turn violates their fiduciary obligations. The brothers may face significant financial and legal difficulties if that allegation turns out to be accurate, and the team’s leadership may be further disrupted. 

What do Peter Seidler’s brothers have to say? 

After the lawsuit was filed, the brothers put out a statement. Peter Seidler Trust referred to Sheel Seidler’s complaint as “entirely without merit.” The trust claims that Peter had a “clear estate plan” that forbade Sheel from ever holding a trustee position and expressly designated three of his siblings, including John, as the successor trustees. 

The brothers’ claim is that the complaint aims to reinterpret Peter’s intentions. They further said that Sheel herself previously acknowledged in a sworn statement that she had no authority to be the person in charge or choose the next one. Now, this sworn affidavit, which states that Sheel’s present legal challenge goes against what she previously approved, is a very important piece of the trust’s case. So what does the team have to say in all this?

As all of this is happening, the Padres are remaining silent. Even Major League Baseball has refrained from commenting on ongoing legal issues. The team has informed the New York Times that they do not wish to comment. The trust is standing firm, arguing that Peter’s wishes were explicit and legally binding, even while Sheel Seidler fights for ownership of the team.

While a protracted legal battle is probably ahead, one that may get even more intricate as the evidence is presented in court. Who has the authority to guide the squad into its next phase will ultimately be determined by the court, and the only thing the team can do now is wait.