Since the Guggenheim Baseball Management group — led by Mark Walter, Todd Boehly and Stan Kasten — took over ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2012, they have turned the franchise into a perennial World Series contender and a model of success in MLB.
Former owner Frank McCourt signed off on selling the Dodgers for a record $2.1 billion, a number that topped the cost English football club, Manchester United, sold for in 2005 when it was purchased for $1.47 billion.
There now may be crossover between the Dodgers ownership group and Premier League football. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Walter joined Boehly’s bid to purchase the Chelsea Football Club:
Add Los Angeles Dodgers principal owner Mark Walter to the list of heavy hitters, including a number from Major League Baseball, who are trying to buy the Chelsea Football Club.
Walter is joining the bid led by Todd Boehly, one of his partners in the Guggenheim ownership of the Dodgers, according to a source familiar with the bidding process. The group is one of four seeking to purchase Chelsea from Roman Abramovich, the Russian oligarch who has been sanctioned by the British government in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Boehly’s bid is regarded as the favorite, and with the addition of Walter, it should put them and their resume of sustained success on even more solid ground. The deadline for bidders to submit their final bids for Chelsea has been extended to April 14.
Chelsea recently won the 2021 FIFA Club World Cup and fields an extremely young and talented roster that could only benefit from having strong leadership in the front office, which the Dodgers have become synonymous with.
Walter and Boehly purchased stake in Lakers
Dodgers co-owners Walter and Boehly previously partnered on another venture when they purchased Phil Anschutz’s 27% stake in the L.A. Lakers. The transaction was approved by the NBA Board of Governors.
“The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most successful and admired franchises in sports history,” Walter said in a statement at the time.
“I have watched the organization grow under Jeanie’s leadership and couldn’t be more excited to partner with her and the entire management team. I am committed to supporting the franchise’s iconic status by continuing to bring together culture, community and entertainment to Lakers’ fans.”
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