Somebody pinch me…quick. Did that really happen? Is the Wicked Witch of Los Angeles really dead? Twitter nearly exploded with euphoria from Dodger fans at about 8 p.m. on Tuesday night when it was revealed that Magic Johnson’s group (comprised of Magic, baseball executive Stan Kasten, money man Mark Walter of financial services firm Guggenheim Partners and Hollywood executive Peter Gruber) was selected by Frank McCourt as the new owners of the Los Angeles Dodgers for $2 billion – a staggering fee.
And what about those parking lots that Dodger fans have been worrying about? Turns out the land around the stadium was also part of the deal, with Frank McCourt coming along as a (wait for it) silent partner.
Magic released a statement through the Dodgers Tuesday night: “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.”
Ok, now what? I find it hard to believe this group bid such an astronomical sum (the most any North American sports franchise has ever sold for) and doesn’t plan on building a dynasty that will compete right out of the gate and for years to come. We all know Magic’s a winner, and the fans in LA will expect nothing else now.
Think about it: the new Dodger owners have exceptionally deep pockets through the Guggenheim Group, a seasoned baseball man (Kasten was the longtime president of the Atlanta Braves and also the Washington Nationals) and an LA sports legend in Magic Johnson who also is a phenomenally successful businessman. Does it get better than that? Kasten and Magic should have the resources to put together a monster team around Kershaw, Kemp and Mattingly.
And in the battle of LA, Magic Johnson trumps Albert Pujols. It’s time for Dodger baseball!
Photo Credit: sojones.com