L.A. Kings Owners Edward Roski Jr. and Philip Anschutz
have been talking to Rupert Murdoch and his Fox Sports Group
about becoming an "entertainment partner" in their downtown
sports arena and entertainment complex, according to T.J.
Simers of the L.A. TIMES. Sources tell Simers that Fox is
seeking a "firmer grip on the local TV market, and its
ultimate objective is controlling interest in the Lakers."
Insiders say Fox is "pushing" for a deal to include an
option to buy controlling interest in the Kings next year,
"which would then give them the right to exercise the Kings'
option to buy 30% of the Lakers." Lakers Owner Jerry Buss
spokesperson Bob Steiner: "He still retains control, and he
still intends to pass it on to his kids." But sources said
that Fox "believes it can wrest the Lakers from Buss
eventually and will begin by going after the 30% within
reach of the Kings." Simers notes that an acquisition of
the Lakers, along with a completed deal to buy the Dodgers
and his "anticipated interest" in pursuing an NFL team for
L.A., "would allow Murdoch to monopolize the Los Angeles
market and cripple competitors interested in expanding here"
(L.A. TIMES, 5/23).
REAX: Simers notes that Kings officials "were obviously
distressed" with reports of their talk with Murdoch. Kings
President Tim Leiweke: "I can tell you unequivocally 100%
for sure the Anschutz people as well as Ed Roski are not
interested in getting out of this and not selling all their
assets." Leiweke declined to say if there have been talks
with Murdoch. Roski did not return phone calls, but his
spokesperson John Semcken said, "We have been talking to
several entertainment companies. And we can't be any more
definitive than that" (L.A. TIMES, 5/23).
FOR TV PURPOSES? Insiders said that Fox might have
naming rights "ultimately to a surrounding retail center or
sports theme park in the area surrounding the arena." But
sources "stressed" that Fox is "making a move on the Kings
owners primarily because of its interest in expanding its TV
potential, and has no real interest in the new sports arena
and entertainment complex" (L.A. TIMES, 5/23).
MONEY IN THE BANK? Hal Bodley reports that an informal
survey of owners by USA TODAY indicates that Murdoch will
have "little opposition" getting the ten votes he needs in
the NL, plus a majority of the AL owners if he does complete
a deal to acquire the Dodgers (USA TODAY, 5/23).
