Editor\u2019s note: An earlier version and headline of this article incorrectly reported the status of Joe Kudla and Drew Brees\u2019 stake in the possible sale of the San Diego Padres. Kudla and Brees are expressing interest in being part of a bid to buy the team. They did not submit a bid before the Padres\u2019 deadline for initial bids, nor are they leading a bid. The article and headline have been corrected.<\/p>\n
Ahead of what could become a record-setting sale, the founder of a popular apparel brand and a Hall of Fame quarterback are exploring being part of a bid to purchase the San Diego Padres, multiple people briefed on the process told The Athletic.<\/p>\n
Joe Kudla, the owner and CEO of Carlsbad, Calif.-based Vuori, recently 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\u2019s sale process. The due date for the first round of offers<\/a> was Wednesday, the sources said, with five groups making submissions. <\/p>\n Although Kudla and Brees did not place a formal bid themselves, the sources added that the two are exploring the possibility of coming on as partners with other groups for the next round of bidding. Other suitors include Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob and English Premier League club owner Jos\u00e9 E. Feliciano, two prospective buyers whose interest in the Padres was previously reported.<\/p>\n Kudla, a University of San Diego alum, founded Vuori in 2015. The rapidly growing athleisure brand reached a $5.5 billion valuation more than a year ago and branched into major professional sports<\/a> last summer, announcing endorsement deals with the likes of British tennis star Jack Draper and Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff.<\/p>\n