Los Angeles Dodgers' owner Frank McCourt, embroiled in a messy divorce battle for over a year, has long maintained his desire to remain sole owner of the team, even after court proceedings that may have said otherwise. However, McCourt's continued ownership may have hit a rather large glitch. MLB commissioner Bud Selig has reportedly rejected a proposed $200 million loan to McCourt by Fox, which would have been secured by the Dodgers' television rights, according to Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times:
↵↵↵Selig made his decision several weeks ago. Since then, McCourt has continued to explore financing options that would enable him to satisfy the commissioner and manage a debt that, according to court records, exceeded $430 million as of November 2009.
↵
Shaikin reported that the loan from Fox could have extended the Dodgers' TV rights for up to four years, if McCourt defaulted on the loan, in essence giving the Dodgers a television contract with Fox for $50 million per season. The Dodgers' current deal with Fox pays them an average of $37 million per season through 2013. Last month, Shaikin also reported that Fox advanced the Dodgers money on their current TV deal to help cover operating expenses.
↵The Dodgers' payroll in 2011 is estimated to be roughly $111 million, which includes over $16 million in deferred salaries and buyouts. The Dodgers open their spring training schedule on Saturday, with a pair of split squad games, in Tempe against the Angels and in Scottsdale against the Giants.
↵For more Dodgers news and information, be sure to read True Blue LA.