MLB Rejects Frank McCourt's Deal With Fox

By Marcus Vanderberg on June 20, 2011 5:55 PM

The Los Angeles Dodgers suffered another setback Monday when Major League Baseball rejected a proposed Fox television contract.

Under the proposed $3 billion deal, owner Frank McCourt would have received $385 million upfront. The Dodgers have struggled to meet payroll all season and reportedly doesn’t have enough cash to meet his June 30 obligations. Below is the statement released by MLB regarding the proposed deal:

“Pursuant to my authority as Commissioner, I have informed Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt today in a detailed letter that I cannot approve the club’s proposed transaction with FOX. This decision was reached after a full and careful consideration of the terms of the proposed transaction and the club’s current circumstances. It is my conclusion that this proposed transaction with FOX would not be in the best interests of the Los Angeles Dodgers franchise, the game of Baseball and the millions of loyal fans of this historic club.

“Mr. McCourt has been provided with an expansive analysis of my reasons for rejecting this proposed transaction. Critically, the transaction is structured to facilitate the further diversion of Dodgers assets for the personal needs of Mr. McCourt. Given the magnitude of the transaction, such a diversion of assets would have the effect of mortgaging the future of the franchise to the long-term detriment of the club and its fans.

“As I have said before, we owe it to the legion of loyal Dodger fans to ensure that this club is being operated properly now and will be guided appropriately in the future. This transaction would not accomplish these goals.”