Former MSG President Dave Checketts has "assembled part of the financial backing" for his $620M bid for the Dodgers, Dodger Stadium and FSN West 2, according to sources of Sallie Hofmeister of the L.A. TIMES, who reports Checketts' "firmest commitment [is] coming from an unlikely baseball investor" — financier George Soros. Soros "has agreed to put up less than $100[M] in equity in what would be his first investment in a sports franchise." Checketts and his partners have "made their offer contingent on buying at least" 80% of FSN West 2. Checketts also reportedly "has lined up" with J.P. Morgan Chase and FleetBoston Financial, and "still is looking for a third to secure financing" of $300M. Checketts "remains more than $200[M] short of his financing goal." Two other equity investors "talking with Checketts have evidently gotten cold feet." Sources said that in mid-February, Checketts had commitments from N.Y.-based buyout firm Kohlberg, Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR) and RI-based Providence Equity Partners. But KKR "is said to have since pulled out, taking about $200[M] off the table. Providence ... remains on the fence." Though Checketts has "emerged as the most serious bidder," other suitors include former MLB Commissioner Peter Ueberroth and real estate mogul Alan Casden. But Casden's "attention may now have turned to" the AOL Time Warner-owned Hawks, Thrashers and Braves. Ueberroth: "Nothing of a serious nature is going on with the Dodgers." A Casden spokesperson declined to comment (L.A. TIMES, 3/3).
