Magic Johnson and Stan Kasten bought the Dodgers from Frank McCourt for a record breaking $2 billion. That price supersedes any price paid for for any American franchise team. The highest price paid for a team before now was $1.1 billion. Stephen Ross paid $1.1 billion for the NFL’s Miami Dolphins in 2009. Serena and Venus Williams are part owners of the Dolphins. #mogulmoves!
“I am thrilled to be part of the historic Dodger franchise and intend to build on the fantastic foundation laid by Frank McCourt as we drive the Dodgers back to the front page of the sports section in our wonderful community of Los Angeles,” Magic said in a statement.
As part of the agreement, the Dodgers said McCourt and “certain affiliates of the purchasers” would acquire the land surrounding Dodger Stadium, including its parking lots, for $150 million.
“If they invested that much money, I’m sure they’ll invest to get us a winner,” said Tommy Lasorda, the Dodgers’ retired Hall of Fame manager. “I wish them all the luck, and I admire them. I know both of them. I know Magic from the day he came into Los Angeles as a basketball player for the Lakers.”
“I am truly honored to have partnered with such talented individuals and to be associated with the Dodgers organization,” Walter said. “We look forward to building upon the legacy of the Dodgers and providing long-term stability to one of the most revered franchises in baseball.”
The Dodgers have won six World Series titles but none since 1988, when they were still owned by the O’Malley family that moved the team from Brooklyn to California after the 1957 season. Fox bought the team in 1998, then sold it to McCourt.“It’s time to turn the page and move toward a new chapter in the history of the Los Angeles Dodgers,” he said.
