Dodgers owner Mark Walter vows to keep team despite investigation

Summarised from 2 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 30 Oct, 16:30 · Archive

Mark Walter told the California Post he plans to retain ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers despite a federal investigation into his businesses.

Mark Walter, the billionaire owner of the Dodgers, has stated firmly that he will not sell the franchise. In an exclusive interview with the California Post, Walter said 'We're going to keep the team no matter what' and pledged 'we're going to be winning for 10 years or more'.

Walter's comments come amid months of speculation about his status as owner, prompted by a federal investigation into his business empire and his unexpected sale of his stakes in the Lakers and Chelsea Football Club this summer. The Justice Department and Securities and Exchange Commission have been investigating certain affiliated loans made from insurance companies under his control to other businesses he owns.

Walter distinguished his commitment to the Dodgers from his decision to sell the Lakers. He explained that the Lakers sale was not premeditated but resulted from a phone call with venture capitalist Josh Kushner in mid-August, which led to a $12.5 billion deal closed within 72 hours. 'We just received an offer on the Lakers that was quite a good offer, that we decided we'd pursue selling it,' Walter said.

Team executives including president Stan Kasten and president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman have previously stated Walter plans business as usual. Walter reiterated this sentiment, saying 'I certainly hope we can look forward to winning another World Series next year under my ownership' and pledging consistent winning over the coming decade.

How it is being reported

• Mark Walter lays out vision for another decade of Dodgers dominance as lockout loomsMark Walter laid out specific plans, goals for Dodgers future.New York Post · 30 Oct, 16:11
• Mark Walter claims he wasn’t selling Lakers –– until phone call that changed everythingMark Walter pushed back on the public narrative surrounding his sale of the Lakers, and explained how the $12.5 billion deal came to be.New York Post · 29 Oct, 15:21
• Mark Walter says he will keep Dodgers 'no matter what' despite federal investigation into businessesMark Walter told the California Post he plans to keep the Los Angeles Dodgers despite selling off his Lakers and Chelsea Football Club stakes.Fox News · 29 Oct, 00:27
• Dodgers’ owner Mark Walter drops hammer on notion he could sell team: ‘No matter what’Mark Walter did not mince words on his plan with the Dodgers.New York Post · 28 Oct, 18:01

In this story: Mark Walter · Los Angeles Dodgers · Josh Kushner · Bob Iger · Stan Kasten · Andrew Friedman · Los Angeles Lakers · Chelsea Football Club

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