LA Dodgers: McCourts' Divorce Settlement Means Frank Will Retain Control

Frank McCourt's divorce settlement has paved the way for Bankruptcy court to deny Bud Selig's request ordering McCourt to sell the Dodgers.

The Settlement

The McCourt's divorce settlement has not been finalized. However, the LA Times heard details of the settlement from people familiar with the situation:

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"Frank and Jamie McCourt have reached a divorce settlement under which she would get about $130 million and relinquish any claim to a share of the Dodgers."

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What the Settlement Means

Jamie McCourt had wanted the Dodgers to be considered community property and sold. At that point she would be entitled half of the profits. With this ruling she would have no say as to what her ex-husband Frank does with the Dodgers.

This frees up McCourt to sell the television rights to the Dodgers and satisfy the bankruptcy courts with that revenue.

Selig's Case

Selig has asked the bankruptcy court to order McCourt to sell the Dodgers. He would not allow McCourt to auction off the TV rights to the Dodgers, and does not believe that bankruptcy court should either.

Bankruptcy Court Details

According to the above linked Yahoo Sports article, Frank McCourt's attorneys alleged that Selig was attempting to keep their client from a viable money supply after the negative publicity from the divorce in order to force a sale of the team. 

The league meanwhile is claiming McCourt displayed financial mismanagement. 

Bankruptcy Court Outcome Prediction

It is going to be nearly impossible for the league to refute the claim that there decision to try and force the sale of the Dodgers due to the negative publicity of the divorce.

Now that Frank McCourt has a viable option to pay off his debts, while retaining control of his business, I do not see the courts denying him retention of his franchise.