Los Angeles Dodgers president Stan Kasten moved to dispel speculation about the franchise’s future on Friday, issuing a firm statement that the team remains under the ownership of billionaire Mark Walter and is not on the market. Kasten addressed reporters ahead of the Dodgers’ game against Pittsburgh, emphasizing that no sale process has been initiated and the organization’s sole focus is on competitive success.
The speculation intensified following Walter’s recent decision to divest his controlling stake in the Los Angeles Lakers to a group led by Josh Kushner and Bob Iger for $12.5 billion, a record-setting transaction completed just over a year after his initial acquisition. Kasten acknowledged the significance of the Lakers sale while highlighting Walter’s deeper commitment to the Dodgers, describing it as an extraordinary business opportunity for the sports investor.
The timing of the Lakers transaction comes as Walter’s business operations face federal scrutiny regarding tax fraud allegations. Both the Securities and Exchange Commission and federal prosecutors are investigating his financial empire. Kasten stated that the Dodgers franchise itself is not implicated in any investigation and declined to elaborate further on the matter.
Kasten praised Walter’s ownership of the Dodgers, pointing to three World Series championships in six seasons and significant player investments, including contracts for four-time MVP Shohei Ohtani. He also confirmed that Walter has no plans to sell his other sports properties, including the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks and stakes in professional hockey and motorsports ventures.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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