Report: Dodgers-Nets ownership deal unlikely

Sources with ties to the Los Angeles Dodgers have cast as unlikely any sale or transfer between the Brooklyn Nets ownership and their counterparts at the Los Angeles Dodgers, ESPN senior writer Ramona Shelburne reported Thursday afternoon.

Sources with ties to the Los Angeles Dodgers have said it is unlikely any sale or transfer will happen between the Brooklyn Nets ownership and their counterparts at the Los Angeles Dodgers, ESPN senior writer Ramona Shelburne reported Thursday afternoon.

A story reported by Nets Daily indicated that the Nets' ownership was in discussions with Guggenheim Sports and Entertainment Assets, owners of the Dodgers, about a combination of assets.

During those discussions, the Nets were reportedly valued at $1.7 billion and the Barclays Center arena at $1.1 billion. Based on the report, the deal being discussed would leave majority owner Mikhail Prokhorov in control of the Nets.

Bruce Ratner, minority owner of the team, would have remained in control of the Barclays Center.

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Statements obtained from Dodgers sources by Shelburne indicated that any deal was unlikely. Dodgers Chairman Mark Walter was reported as saying that he had no intention of selling the team.

While Walter denied plans to sell, he said he would entertain an offer it one were made:

Dodgers Chairman Mark Walter: "As for the Nets, I have not seen their numbers. They are a terrific franchise (cont'd)

— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) October 2, 2014

Walter (cont'd): "I would be happy to look at their information & any proposal anyone wanted to make to me -- as I would with any proposal.

— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) October 2, 2014

On Thursday afternoon, Chris Mannix reported that Prokhorov was "actively looking to cash out." It was revealed in June that Prokhorov was gauging interest in his stake after the Los Angeles Clippers sold for $2 billion.

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Prokhorov bought the Nets for $223 million in May 2010. According to Mannix, Prokhorov's stake in the arena is likely close to $2 billion.

- Christopher Woody