In order for Frank McCourt to retain ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the wake of his contentious divorce with his wife, Jamie, it was essential that MLB commissioner Bud Selig approve a mega television deal between the Dodgers and FOX Sports. But on Monday, Selig rejected the deal, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The rejection came on the first business day after the McCourts announced a settlement that was contingenet upon the television deal, and it invalidated that settlement.
The Los Angeles Times reports that a provision in the proposed television contract would have funneled $173.5 million to the estranged couple, which Selig apparently found unacceptable. The contract was expected to be a 17-year deal worth up to $3 billion.
McCourt has not officially been stripped of his ownership of the Dodgers, but the proposed television contract was reportedly a crucial financial element in him retaining ownership going forward.
Under the settlement, which is now void, a one-day trial on Aug. 4 would have determined the Dodgers' ownership dilemma.
If Frank McCourt is unable to meet the Dodgers' June 30 payroll, Selig can seize the team and put it up for sale — which, according to the Los Angeles Times, seems likely.
