Report: Rams Owner Stan Kroenke Approved by MLB as Bidding Finalist for Dodgers

According to a report from Ronald Blum of the Associated Press as shared by foxsportsarizona.com, St. Louis Rams owner Stan Kroenke has been unanimously approved by Major League Baseball owners as a finalist for the upcoming auction of the Los Angeles Dodgers. 

The aforementioned report states that two other groups were also approved, one led by former NBA star Magic Johnson and another led by businessman Steve Cohen.  

Cohen should be considered the front-runner, according to Marc Ganis of the Chicago-based Sportscorp (as quoted in the above-linked article):

"

The obvious front-runner should be Steve Cohen. He's using his own money rather than someone else's money.  He does not have an issue like the cross-ownership prohibition in the NFL.

Cohen has the wherewithal to simply write the check, especially with Soon as his partner. He's addressed much of the LA-area concerns by bringing a significant partner in, and he is extraordinarily capitalized.

"

According to a column from  Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times, Tuesday's reported approval of the three remaining bidding groups would enable current Dodgers owner Frank McCourt to start the auction Wednesday that will lead to the sell of the team. 

The same report from Shaikin also indicates that once McCourt picks a winning bidder, he must finalize the deal by April 30.  

A report from ESPN LA by Ramona Shelburne indicates that McCourt is torn as to his selection, particularly in regard to the Johnson group.  The aforementioned article indicates that the process and the choice is weighing heavily on him.

According to a tweet from Molly Knight of ESPN the Magazine, she placed the odds as to the eventual winner like this: 

"Molly Knight ‏ @molly_knight

Handicap guesstimating Dodgers ownership race: Cohen group 1:2, Magic Johnson group 3:1, Kroenke 8:1.

Although Kroenke may or may not be the most likely winner of the bidding process, it would seem foolish to count him out. 

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It was less than two years ago that Kroenke surprised many by earning approval to buy the Rams after successfully navigating through NFL cross ownership rules. 

There is never a dull moment in Rams Nation.  It will be interesting to watch this play out.

I will have more on this topic and the Rams' future in St. Louis in the coming days. 

Shane Gray covers the St. Louis Rams year-round. You are encouraged to check out the rest of his work here and to follow him on Twitter.