Who Owns the Dodgers: Ownership Explained

Who owns the Dodgers? The Los Angeles Dodgers, one of the most iconic franchises in Major League Baseball, have a fascinating ownership story. This article delves into the key details of who controls this baseball powerhouse and the entities involved in their ownership.

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History of the Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers were founded in 1883 as the Brooklyn Dodgers. Over the years, the team has become one of the most successful and storied franchises in baseball history.

In 1958, the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles, bringing the team to the West Coast. The team has since won multiple championships and built a reputation for success both on and off the field.

The ownership of the Dodgers has evolved through the years, with significant shifts in leadership and financial backing.

Who Owns the Dodgers?

The Dodgers are currently owned by the Guggenheim Baseball Management group. This consortium of investors acquired the team in 2012 for a record $2.15 billion. The largest shareholder is Mark Walter, a billionaire businessman, who holds the majority stake in the Dodgers. He serves as the CEO of Guggenheim Partners, a global financial services firm that manages the ownership group.

Here’s a table summarizing the history of the ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers:

Year	Ownership Group	Key Details
1883-1950	Walter O’Malley Family	The O’Malley family purchased the team in 1950, and it remained under their control until 1979.
1979-1981	Peter O’Malley (family-controlled)	Peter O’Malley, the son of Walter, took over control in 1979. The O’Malley family ran the team until 1981 when they sold it to a group of investors.
1981-1987	Herschel and Stuart Oppenheimer	The Oppenheimer family owned the team, although they operated it in a more passive role.
1987-1998	Fox Entertainment Group (Rupert Murdoch’s Company)	Fox purchased the team in 1987 for $350 million and controlled it until 1998. During this period, the Dodgers experienced significant media expansion.
1998-2004	News Corporation	News Corp. (Fox’s parent company) maintained ownership of the team through this period.
2004-2012	Frank McCourt	Frank McCourt bought the Dodgers for $430 million in 2004. He ran the franchise until financial issues and ownership disputes led to a sale in 2012.
2012-Present	Guggenheim Baseball Management	Mark Walter led the purchase of the team in 2012 for $2 billion. The ownership group includes Magic Johnson, Stan Kasten, and other investors. Guggenheim Partners owns the controlling stake.

Dodgers Shareholders

Here’s a list of the largest shareholders of the Dodgers:

Shareholder	Ownership Percentage	Role/Contribution
Mark Walter	27%	Majority shareholder and CEO of Guggenheim Partners, leads strategic decisions, financial direction.
Magic Johnson	7%	Key investor, focuses on marketing, brand expansion, and community engagement.
Stan Kasten	6%	President of the Dodgers, oversees day-to-day operations, including team management and player decisions.
Peter Guber	6%	Investor and CEO of Mandalay Entertainment, contributes to media rights, sponsorships, and entertainment ties.
Todd Boehly	5%	Investor and media entrepreneur, focuses on expanding the team’s media assets and digital platforms.
Institutional Investors	49%	A mix of private equity firms and financial institutions, provide financial support and long-term growth strategies.

Mark Walter: The Majority Shareholder (27%)

Mark Walter is the largest shareholder in the Dodgers, holding approximately 27% of the team. As the CEO of Guggenheim Partners, Walter’s leadership is integral to the Dodgers’ operations. His financial acumen and strategic thinking have played a major role in maintaining the team’s success both on the field and off.

Walter’s vision focuses on long-term profitability, including leveraging real estate investments and expanding the team’s media rights. His majority stake ensures that he holds significant control over major decisions, including those related to player acquisitions, business partnerships, and overall team strategy.

Magic Johnson: The Business Mogul (7%)

Magic Johnson, the NBA legend and successful businessman, owns around 7% of the Los Angeles Dodgers. His involvement in the ownership group is not just as a financial investor but also as a key figure in marketing and brand expansion. Johnson’s high profile and deep ties to the sports and entertainment industries have helped enhance the Dodgers’ visibility, especially within the African American community.

Johnson plays an influential role in forging sponsorships and media deals, using his celebrity status to bolster the Dodgers’ brand in various markets. His ability to navigate the intersection of sports, business, and entertainment has been an asset to the franchise.

Stan Kasten: President and Major Investor (6%)

Stan Kasten, who serves as the president of the Dodgers, holds approximately 6% of the team. Kasten’s wealth of experience in sports management, including his previous roles with the Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals, has made him a valuable part of the ownership group.

Kasten is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Dodgers, overseeing everything from player management to business affairs. His leadership ensures that the team runs efficiently and remains competitive in both the on-field and financial aspects of the sport.

Peter Guber: Entertainment Executive (6%)

Peter Guber, the entertainment mogul and CEO of Mandalay Entertainment, holds around 6% of the Dodgers. Guber’s expertise in media and entertainment has been pivotal in enhancing the Dodgers’ presence both in Hollywood and on a global scale.

His deep connections in the entertainment industry have helped the Dodgers secure lucrative media deals, particularly their regional sports network, SportsNet LA. Guber’s role in blending the world of sports with entertainment has given the team a unique edge in terms of brand marketing and fan engagement.

Todd Boehly: Investor and Media Entrepreneur (5%)

Todd Boehly, co-founder of the private equity firm Eldridge Industries, holds about 5% of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Boehly is an experienced investor with a diversified portfolio spanning sports, real estate, and media. His involvement in the Dodgers provides strategic financial expertise, especially in terms of media ventures and international expansion.

Boehly’s contributions focus on expanding the Dodgers’ media rights and leveraging digital platforms for the team’s growth. His influence helps ensure that the team remains competitive in an increasingly media-driven sports landscape.

Other Institutional Investors (49%)

The remaining 49% of the ownership is divided among various institutional investors, including private equity firms and other business entities. While these investors hold smaller stakes, they collectively contribute to the financial strength of the Dodgers. These institutional shareholders typically focus on long-term growth and profitability, providing capital for key investments and infrastructure improvements.

Although they do not have as much control as the primary stakeholders, these investors influence significant decisions, especially in areas like stadium financing and media partnerships. Their involvement helps ensure the Dodgers remain financially stable and competitive.

Who Controls the Dodgers?

Control of the Los Angeles Dodgers is primarily influenced by the ownership group, with Mark Walter holding the largest stake. However, the control of the team extends beyond just the majority shareholder. Several key figures have an important say in the franchise’s daily operations, strategic direction, and long-term goals.

Here’s a breakdown of who controls various aspects of the Dodgers:

Mark Walter: Majority Shareholder and Ultimate Decision-Maker

As the largest shareholder with 27% ownership, Mark Walter holds the ultimate control over the Los Angeles Dodgers. Walter, the CEO of Guggenheim Partners, is the key decision-maker in the ownership group. His significant stake gives him the power to make final decisions on important team matters, including:

Team Strategy: Major business and financial strategies, including decisions related to player acquisitions, trades, and long-term investments, are guided by Walter.
Franchise Direction: Long-term goals, such as stadium development and media deals, are largely shaped by Walter’s vision for the team.
Financial Oversight: As the leader of Guggenheim Partners, Walter plays an essential role in securing funding and managing the team’s financial resources.

Despite other prominent investors contributing to the decision-making process, it is Walter who holds the decisive vote on the most critical issues.

Stan Kasten: President and Operations Manager

While Mark Walter has the final say, Stan Kasten, the President of the Dodgers, controls the team’s day-to-day operations. Kasten’s vast experience in sports management (from the Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals) makes him an essential figure in the organization.

Kasten’s responsibilities include:

Player Management: Kasten is instrumental in overseeing player decisions, including acquisitions, contracts, and negotiations.
Business Operations: Managing the overall business, from ticket sales to sponsorship deals, is part of Kasten’s role.
Strategic Leadership: Kasten implements the strategic vision provided by Walter and other major stakeholders, ensuring it is executed across the team’s operations.

Though Kasten does not have final control over high-level decisions, his role is critical in ensuring smooth operations within the team, the stadium, and community engagement.

Magic Johnson: Influencer and Brand Ambassador

Magic Johnson, owning 7% of the Dodgers, holds significant influence in the decision-making process, particularly in areas of marketing, public relations, and brand management. While he does not control operational decisions, Johnson’s role as a brand ambassador and strategic influencer is crucial for the Dodgers’ external relations. Johnson is involved in:

Community Engagement: Johnson focuses on expanding the Dodgers’ outreach to underrepresented communities, enhancing the team’s image.
Sponsorships and Partnerships: His high profile and connections allow the team to secure lucrative sponsorship deals and promotional partnerships.
Entertainment and Media: Johnson’s knowledge of the entertainment industry helps strengthen the team’s relationship with Hollywood and media networks, boosting the Dodgers’ presence beyond baseball.

His influence on the Dodgers’ overall brand and public relations strategy cannot be overstated, as his involvement enhances the team’s public image and visibility.

Peter Guber: Entertainment and Media Strategy

Peter Guber, who holds 6% ownership, plays a vital role in controlling the Dodgers’ media strategy and entertainment partnerships. As the CEO of Mandalay Entertainment, Guber brings expertise in sports and entertainment. His influence is seen in:

Media Rights: Guber’s connections help secure major broadcasting deals, including those related to SportsNet LA, the Dodgers’ regional sports network.
Entertainment Collaborations: He works on partnerships with Hollywood, securing opportunities to integrate the Dodgers into entertainment ventures, enhancing brand recognition.
Revenue Generation: Through Guber’s media ventures, the team has access to lucrative deals and creative opportunities that strengthen the franchise’s financial outlook.

Guber’s influence ensures the Dodgers are not only a top sports team but also a significant entertainment brand, which plays a crucial part in their market dominance.

Todd Boehly: Financial Strategy and Media Ventures

Todd Boehly, who owns 5% of the Dodgers, focuses on the financial strategy and media ventures of the team. Boehly is a co-founder of Eldridge Industries, a private equity firm with a diverse portfolio that includes significant media investments. His role in the Dodgers extends to:

Media Expansion: Boehly has been instrumental in expanding the Dodgers’ media presence, ensuring that the team continues to maximize its revenue through digital platforms, broadcasting rights, and other media channels.
Financial Support: His firm provides critical financial backing for major initiatives, such as infrastructure projects and long-term growth strategies.
Growth Opportunities: Boehly’s financial expertise helps the team seize new opportunities for investment and expansion, particularly in the digital and media sectors.

While he does not make day-to-day operational decisions, Boehly’s input into long-term strategic growth is highly influential.

Institutional Investors: Passive Financial Support and Long-Term Strategy

Institutional investors, collectively holding 49% of the Dodgers, provide the necessary financial capital for the team’s ongoing operations and strategic expansion. These investors are typically private equity firms, venture capital firms, and other institutional players with significant investments in sports franchises. While they do not have a direct hand in day-to-day operations, their role is crucial in several areas:

Business Expertise: These investors contribute their business acumen to help ensure that the team remains financially sound and continues to grow its value.

Capital Infusion: They provide financial support for the team’s various investments, including stadium renovations, player signings, and media deals.

Strategic Input: Institutional investors may offer strategic guidance for long-term growth, although they are typically more passive in their involvement.

Annual Revenue and Net Worth of the Dodgers

In 2024, the Los Angeles Dodgers achieved significant financial milestones. Their revenues soared to a record $1 billion, making them only the fourth sports team to reach this threshold, following the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys and La Liga’s Real Madrid and Barcelona.

This remarkable achievement was bolstered by their World Series victory, which not only enhanced ticket sales but also attracted lucrative sponsorships. Notably, the arrival of Shohei Ohtani contributed an additional $70 million in sponsorship revenue, as the team secured 12 Japanese-based partners.

As of April 2025, the Dodgers’ franchise valuation reached approximately $6.8 billion, reflecting a 25% increase from the previous year. This valuation positions the Dodgers among the top sports franchises globally, underscoring their financial strength and market appeal.

In terms of player compensation, the Dodgers’ payroll for 2025 was substantial. Their adjusted payroll totaled approximately $331 million, with cash allocations around $353 million. These figures highlight the team’s commitment to investing in top-tier talent to maintain their competitive edge.

Brands and Companies Owned by the Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers franchise is not just limited to baseball; it has investments in a variety of sectors, ranging from media and entertainment to real estate. The ownership group, especially with key figures like Mark Walter, Stan Kasten, and Peter Guber, has expanded the Dodgers’ portfolio significantly.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the notable companies and brands owned by the Dodgers’ ownership group:

SportsNet LA

SportsNet LA is the Dodgers’ regional sports network, which was launched in 2014. Owned by the Dodgers’ parent company, this network broadcasts most of the Dodgers’ games to their regional audience. It is part of the broader media strategy that the ownership group has cultivated to control its broadcast rights. The network plays a crucial role in the Dodgers’ financial ecosystem by generating significant revenue through cable distribution fees and advertising.

Revenue: SportsNet LA brings in millions of dollars each year from carriage fees and advertising, contributing a substantial portion to the Dodgers’ overall revenue.
Content: In addition to live broadcasts of games, the network also airs various Dodgers-related programming, such as interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and game recaps.

SportsNet LA is a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ media strategy, allowing the team to control and monetize its broadcast rights.

Real Estate Holdings

The Dodgers’ ownership group has also heavily invested in real estate, particularly around Dodger Stadium and its surrounding areas. This includes significant redevelopment projects aimed at enhancing the fan experience and increasing revenue streams beyond game-day activities. A prime example is the ongoing Dodger Stadium parking lot redevelopment, which includes the construction of new properties and entertainment spaces.

Revenue Streams: By expanding the scope of real estate around Dodger Stadium, the ownership group aims to increase non-game revenue, such as events, retail, and hospitality offerings.
Long-term Vision: These investments are also part of the larger vision to make the Dodgers a year-round destination rather than just a seasonal attraction.

The Guggenheim Baseball Management Group

The Guggenheim Baseball Management Group is the ownership entity that controls the Dodgers. While the group owns the team, it is also involved in a series of other investments through its parent company, Guggenheim Partners.

Investment Portfolio: Guggenheim Partners is a global investment and advisory firm with interests in various sectors, including finance, real estate, and media. The Dodgers are part of the firm’s diverse portfolio, which helps them leverage financial expertise to maximize returns from the team.
Strategic Partnerships: The firm has been instrumental in aligning the Dodgers with lucrative media and sponsorship deals, helping to expand the brand’s reach.

Mandalay Entertainment

Mandalay Entertainment, led by Peter Guber, is a media and entertainment company involved in film, television, and sports ventures. Peter Guber, one of the Dodgers’ key stakeholders, also serves as the chairman and CEO of Mandalay Entertainment.

Entertainment Ventures: Through Mandalay, Guber has established strategic partnerships that benefit both the Dodgers’ brand and his broader entertainment empire. This includes creating media content that features the Dodgers or connects them with larger Hollywood productions.
Revenue Streams: Mandalay Entertainment’s involvement in media creation, such as films and TV shows, helps position the Dodgers within a larger cultural and entertainment framework, which strengthens their brand recognition.

The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC)

While not directly owned by the Dodgers, LAFC has close ties to the team’s ownership group, particularly through the involvement of some of the same investors. Both the Dodgers and LAFC share ownership by Guggenheim Partners, and the business synergies between the two organizations have grown over time.

Shared Business Interests: The Dodgers’ ownership group has been involved in major investments that enhance the synergy between both the soccer team and the baseball franchise. These investments include shared sponsorships, marketing efforts, and cross-promotions.
Community Engagement: Both the Dodgers and LAFC are heavily involved in the Los Angeles community, and their shared ownership has allowed for greater fan engagement and outreach.

DraftKings Partnership

In a bid to expand its revenue channels, the Dodgers have entered into a partnership with DraftKings, one of the leading sports betting platforms. The partnership allows the Dodgers to capitalize on the growing sports betting industry, particularly as it gains traction in California.

Revenue Generation: Through this partnership, the Dodgers benefit from sponsorship deals, media partnerships, and customer acquisition programs, which help increase revenue streams from fans engaging in sports betting.
Brand Expansion: The Dodgers’ partnership with DraftKings helps them tap into a younger, digitally-savvy audience, which is crucial as the sports industry evolves.

Rawlings Sporting Goods

Rawlings is a well-known brand in baseball equipment, and while it is not directly part of the Dodgers’ operations, the team does have a deep connection with the brand. Rawlings has been the official supplier of baseballs for the MLB, and their gear is frequently used by Dodgers players.

Endorsement Deals: The Dodgers’ partnership with Rawlings allows the team to collaborate on product designs, marketing, and promotions, helping to solidify their brand presence in the baseball equipment market.
Fan Engagement: The connection with Rawlings also allows the Dodgers to sell co-branded gear to fans, expanding merchandise revenue.

Other Minor Investments

The Dodgers ownership group has also explored various minor investments in the digital and media space, primarily through Eldridge Industries, co-founded by Todd Boehly. These investments include ventures in sports media, tech companies, and consumer goods, which align with the Dodgers’ broader business strategy.

Consumer Goods: Partnerships with companies in the consumer goods space allow the Dodgers to promote branded merchandise, food, and beverages, enhancing their in-stadium and retail revenue streams.

Digital Ventures: Eldridge’s focus on digital media and technology helps the Dodgers expand their digital footprint, targeting new consumer bases.

Conclusion

The ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers is a combination of successful business minds with experience in sports and media. Led by Mark Walter, the group has helped the Dodgers reach new heights, both financially and on the field. As the team continues to thrive, the vision of its owners will undoubtedly play a critical role in its future success.

FAQs

Who owns the majority of the Los Angeles Dodgers?

Mark Walter, through Guggenheim Baseball Management, owns the majority of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Does Magic Johnson have ownership in the Dodgers?

Yes, Magic Johnson is a part-owner and plays a key role in the team’s ownership group.

Who controls the daily operations of the Dodgers?

Stan Kasten, the president of the Dodgers, oversees the daily operations of the team. However, Mark Walter, as the majority owner, holds ultimate control over major decisions.

How much is Dodgers ownership worth?

As of March 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers franchise is valued at approximately $7.73 billion, including its real estate holdings and other associated businesses. This valuation places the Dodgers among the most valuable sports franchises globally, underscoring their significant market presence and financial strength.