SAC Capital Advisors Founder Steven Cohen is bidding for the Dodgers, and he has “engaged one of America's notable sports architecture firms to propose renovations to Dodger Stadium, allied himself with one of baseball's power brokers, secured the support of at least two prominent Angelenos and met with several major league owners," according to Bill Shaikin of the L.A. TIMES. Cohen was joined in those meetings with the owners “by Arn Tellem, an influential sports agent who could run the Dodgers if Cohen were to buy the team.” A source said that Cohen “is among the first bidders submitted to Major League Baseball for approval.” Initial bids for the Dodgers are due Jan. 13. Cohen has retained Allen & Company sports broker Steve Greenberg, who formerly served as MLB Deputy Commissioner. Sources said that Cohen also “has met with several owners, although the focus of the discussions was less on securing the approval vote of those owners and more on the challenges of operating a professional sports team.” In addition, Cohen has retained Populous “to suggest changes to Dodger Stadium that would enhance comfort and safety.” A source said that Cohen's “hiring of an architecture firm at this early stage might show how serious he is but might have no impact on whether he wins.” Shaikin writes L.A. residents KB Home Founder Eli Broad and Dream Works SKG co-Founder David Geffen yesterday both “offered public support to Cohen.” If he were to buy the Dodgers, he “probably would invite local investors.” Cohen earlier this year “explored bidding” for a minority share of the Mets (L.A. TIMES, 12/28).
COURT ORDERS: Shaikin yesterday reported U.S. District Court Judge Leonard Stark wrote he halted the sale of the Dodgers' television rights "in part to restore negotiating leverage to Fox.” The contract with Fox “bars the Dodgers from negotiating with any other broadcast outlet until next Nov. 30.” Stark wrote in his opinion, "The amended procedures -- imposed by the Bankruptcy Court, without any compensation (and perhaps never any compensation) to (Fox) -- reduces Fox's chance of obtaining the unique and extremely valuable asset of the right to telecast future Dodgers baseball games." Stark is “scheduled to hold a hearing Jan. 12 on whether to make his stay permanent.” Stark also rejected U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Kevin Gross' “contention that the Dodgers might get more money for their TV rights now rather than later.” He cited the testimony of Blackstone Advisory Partners Senior Managing Dir Timothy Coleman, former Fox Sports Networks President Robert Thompson and former NBA TV President and sports media consultant Ed Desser (LATIMES.com, 12/27).
