Frank McCourt, Los Angeles Dodgers Can Strike New TV Deal Early, Bankruptcy Court Rules

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Frank McCourt and the Los Angeles Dodgers won a legal battle against one of their final court foes on Thursday. Delaware Bankruptcy Court judge Kevin Gross ruled that the Dodgers were allowed to sell their broadcast television rights along with the team, per Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times.

The Dodgers currently have a television contract through 2013 with Fox, one that did not allow them to negotiate with other companies until November 30, 2012. Under the new ruling, the Dodgers will have a 45-day period to work out a new deal with Fox, starting from November 30, 2011. After January 14, 2012, if the Dodgers and Fox don't reach an agreement, they can open up the bidding to other suitors.

"Dodgers attorney Bruce Bennett said he hoped to reach an agreement with Fox that would satisfy the company that it could pursue a stay and proceed with negotiations at the same time," Shaikin reported in the Los Angeles Times. "The parties are expected to resume mediation as well."

McCourt and MLB reached agreement for the Dodgers to be sold by April 30, 2012.

For more on the Dodgers, head over to True Blue L.A.