On Tuesday night, the team reported a group that includes former NBA star Earvin “Magic” Johnson will acquire the Los Angeles Dodgers for $2 billion. The price is the most ever paid for a North American sports franchise, according to MLB.com. The group will officially obtain the baseball team, one of baseball’s most storied franchises, after the deal is approved by the judge supervising the Dodgers’ bankruptcy.
The Dodgers have won the World Series championship six times and, for decades, have accumulated a loyal fan base. In recent years, the team has made headlines for its financial woes rather than game winnings after it filed for bankruptcy under the ownership of Frank McCourt, whose divorce from his ex-wife, Jamie, played a major role. Johnson said that this would be a new start for the Dodgers. “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,” Johnson said, a former player for the Los Angeles Lakers who is iconic in his own right. The Dodgers’ legendary former coach Tommy Lasorda praised the sale. “I am happy for them. I just feel they are going to do everything they can to bring a championship to Los Angeles,” Lasorda said to CNN affiliate KTLA.
