Kwanza Jones Makes MLB History as First Black Woman Majority Owner of the San Diego Padres

Kwanza Jones is making history in Major League Baseball while bringing a resume that stretches far beyond the world of sports.

On August 24, Jones and her husband and business partner, José E. Feliciano, were officially introduced as the new owners of the San Diego Padres at Petco Park, marking the beginning of a new era for the franchise. Their ownership group was approved unanimously by Major League Baseball on August 17, following an agreement reported at a record-setting $3.9 billion valuation.

For Jones, the moment represents something bigger than becoming an MLB owner. She is now the first Black woman to become a majority owner of a Major League Baseball franchise, breaking another barrier in a professional sports landscape where ownership has historically lacked diversity.

And Jones’ story leading to this moment is anything but conventional.

A graduate of Princeton University, Jones went on to earn a Master of Dispute Resolution from Pepperdine University School of Law and a Juris Doctor from Cardozo School of Law. Before becoming an investor and sports owner, she worked across law, media and entertainment. She is also a recording artist, entrepreneur, philanthropist and motivational speaker.

Her creative background is particularly notable. Jones has recorded multiple albums, with some of her music reaching the Top 10 on Billboard’s dance/electronic charts. She has also built SUPERCHARGED, a media and personal-development platform focused on encouraging people to take action, build confidence and pursue their potential.

Her commitment to creating opportunities extends into her philanthropic work as well. Jones co-founded the Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative, which focuses on four core areas: education, entrepreneurship, equity and empowerment. The organization says it has committed more than $250 million to its partners and has impacted approximately 80,000 people.

That philosophy also extends to education. Jones and Feliciano made a historic $20 million gift to Princeton, resulting in two residential buildings being named in their honor—the first such buildings named for Black and Latino donors in the university’s history.

Now, that same combination of business, culture and community is coming with her into baseball.

During the Padres’ introductory press conference, Jones made it clear that she isn’t approaching ownership as a ceremonial position. The couple emphasized their commitment to the organization, its fans and the San Diego community, while setting their sights on something the franchise has never accomplished: winning a World Series.

Jones even entered the press conference to a song she wrote and recorded herself, adding another uniquely personal touch to an already historic introduction.

For a woman whose career has crossed music, law, entrepreneurship, philanthropy and investing, becoming an MLB owner feels less like a departure and more like another chapter.

Kwanza Jones has spent her career creating opportunities, challenging expectations and building across industries. Now, she has a baseball franchise—and a historic seat at one of America’s most influential sports tables.

Her message has always been about possibility. Now she’s making history while proving just how far that possibility can go.