New Delhi, Aug. 18 -- Major League Baseball (MLB) owners have given their full backing to the sale of the San Diego Padres. The deal hands control of the franchise to a group led by private equity billionaire Jose E. Feliciano and his wife and business partner Kwanza Jones.

The league confirmed that team owners voted unanimously to approve the purchase. Jose Feliciano and Kwanza Jones struck an agreement in May to buy the club from the family of the late owner Peter Seidler. The transaction carries an MLB-record valuation of $3.9 billion. Official closing is still expected in the coming weeks.

"Jose and Kwanza understand the unique place the Padres hold in San Diego and the powerful bond between the club and its fans," MLB commissioner ...