Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Believe in Magic!

McCourt agrees to sell to Magic Johnson-led group for TWO BILLION DOLLARS.

HOLY.

SHIT.

Links and updates forthcoming.

UPDATE 8:32pm: Magic Johnson-led group is picked as Dodgers' next owner (Bill Shaikin)

UPDATE 2 9:55pm: Just go read Bill Shaikin's Twitter feed. He's been THE MAN through the whole process, and is rocking it again tonight.

54 comments:

Alex said...

!

Hideo Nomo said...

MY BRAIN IS IMPLODING.

Alex said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

YIPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

Dusty Baker said...

True Blue story: I'm on travel but when Nomo broke this news to me, my first instinct was to call the love of my life (Mrs Dusty, not Kershaw) and tell her the news. I got about three words out before I got really emotional and had to hang up. Couldn't be happier now. Everything is coming up Blue.

Orel said...

FUCK YEAH

MR.F said...

Holy crap! But McDouche keeps the parking lots?!?!?

Dusty Baker said...

DOUBLE UP: FUCK YEAH

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

McCourt will co-own the lots with other members of Magic's group, according to press release.

Dusty Baker said...

No, Mr F. From what I just heard the parking lots are part of the two mil deal.

Dusty Baker said...

Ahhhh, I see. Co-own.

Dusty Baker said...

Basketball has always been my thing/
I like Magic, Bird, and Bernard King

Dusty Baker said...

""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 in a statement."

Fuck Frank, but hell yeah, Magic!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

IT'S SHOWTIME!

Franklin Stubbs said...

(cries tears of joy)

(flips Frank the bird)

Dusty Baker said...

@ Soanky - no, you're second in line after me!

Dusty Baker's Toothpick said...

Is he the first African-American owner of an MLB team?

spank said...

AND NOW WHEN I COMMENT, THE PAGE SCROLLS TO THE BOTTOM AUTOMATICALLY.

(cries)
(cries)
(cries)

tears of joy

Franklin Stubbs said...

I can live with co-own. Control is the key as far as i'm concerned.

spank said...

@DBT

I think Magic is the first.

MR.F said...

Ahhh. Thanks for the clarification!

Jason said...

So conflicted...

No more Frank is absolutely a good thing.

But that is a lot of zeros in the purchase price that will never make its way into the product on the field (or the product that is the Stadium experience).

I can't believe the Dodgers are objectively worth 220% more than the Cubs. Subjectively, yes, obviously.

Dusty Baker said...

I'm crying me eyes out here, fellas. It's all coming out now.

Jason said...

Wikipedia's list of MLB owners has already been updated with Magic's name. Well played Internet, well played.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

There are so many men in this group, though. I doubt they'll have spent too much on the purchase without planning ahead.

Dusty Baker said...

I'm not sure, Jason. From what I understand both fan experience (eg, upgrades) and "winning team" were strong parts of the equation for the final bids. You could be right, but heck, for at least a fortnight can we remain optimistic?

Cc: Karina

Jason said...

(puts on blue shaded glasses)

Optimism is up in this bish!

(opens that chilled bottle of champagne)

Dusty Baker said...

At DBT: not sure - guessing that there have been other African-American co-owner/stakeholders of an MLB team (recognizing that according to reports he'd just be a minority stakeholder).

Not that it would diminish the significance of an African-American being one of the major public faces of a franchise that also broke the color barrier in baseball.

spank said...

that tv contract is going to be fucking huge. Max monies baby!

Let's celebrate the exit of McCourt from the Dodgers. Damn i wish i had some hard liquor.

Ryan said...

Pay your respects to Chavez Ravine these next 2-3 seasons. There is no way you can support a valuation of $2B without expecting to extract value from the land that Dodger Stadium sits on. Plus, bringing in the CEO of Mandalay Entertainment is kind of a give away in terms of development plans...

At least Magic is involved. That at least locks the team down in LA. Look for a new ballpark coming downtown near Staples and the new NFL stadium.

I can't believe Frank McCourt is going to become a Billionaire by looting my beloved team. I need to take management lessons from him. He played every card just right throughout this situation. Bud Selig and MLB tried to muscle him out and he told them to eat a d***, I'm gonna make a Bil off of this. Masterful. Despicable...but masterful.

NicJ said...

Just when Dodger fans needed an assist...

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

The "No Bitching" rule is now in effect. No bitching for the next 18 hours.

NicJ said...

Wait, so Josh Macciello didn't win?

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Macciello is still leaving threatening messages on Gene Maddeas's voicemail.

NicJ said...

haha, im assuming collect.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

This sets a significant precedent too. The Steinbrenner Boys could probably fetch double if they're ever up against a wall.

Jason said...

I have to imagine Lew Wolff has his accountant working overtime tonight. Same with Bob Nutting.

Franklin Stubbs said...

@jason

I hear you, but it also stands to reason that in you throw 2 bills down on the team, it doesn't make a lot of sense to skimp on the on-field product if you're trying to maximize you franchise value. Not that team management always makes sense, but i think there's an argument to be made.

What will be telling is what happens when the first big contract comes around that doesn't pan out like everyone thinks it will.

Hideo Nomo said...

FYI, I am getting drunk.

Orel said...

Pouring a glass (or three) of Macallan 18 to celebrate!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

RT @BillShaikin: #Dodgers deal allows Magic group to control parking lots for games, Magic and McCourt to jointly pursue any development of lots.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Sounds like it's 50/50 in terms of control.

rbnlaw said...

Sorry, watching 90210. Did I miss something?

The Arsenal fan in me is relieved Stan Kroenke did not win, but disappointed he will still control Arsenal.

Say bye-bye Uncle Ned.

rbnlaw said...

Frank can control the lots during road games. I think that's fair.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

That's probably as good as it was going to get with the lots.

Dusty Baker's Toothpick said...

Stuck in the worlds most boring fantasy auction draft. wish Magic would come buy out this league. Holy shit!!!

MAGIC!!!!

spank said...

*runs out the door nekked holding yellow fin tuna*

Hideo Nomo said...

First order of business: Sheila E as GM.

Hideo Nomo said...

Ned on KTLA now. Dead man walking?

karina said...

*Snoopy dances*

it feels like Christmas! I'm so happy!

Dusty Baker said...

@Nomo FYI: I was already drunk

And:
Completely agree re the 18 hours no bitching ruleM

Fred's Brim said...

HoLEEEE SHIT!
This is absolutely ridiculously awesome! It was great to wake up to this news as well as to read all of your comments this morning

I made a vow to myself to get a new hat when we got a new owner. Looks like I will have a fun lunchtime activity!

QuadSevens said...

Saw the great news last night on Facebook and now I see all these excited peeps on the mother site! Love it!

Dusty Baker said...

There's joy in Mudville!