Time Warner Cable, Fox Sports in Rights Talks With Dodgers

MSO looks to add MLB franchise to roster; programmer continues to seek renewal

By Mike Reynolds, Multichannel News -- Broadcasting & Cable, 12/8/2012 12:49:19 PM

The Los Angeles Dodgers now have two media companies looking to connect with their media rights.

With the exclusive negotiating window held by Fox Sports' regional sports network Prime Ticket closing on Nov. 30, Time Warner Cable Sports has discussed its own deal with the Major League Baseball franchise, according to published reports and confirmed by sources familiar with the situation.

Sources also indicate that Fox continues to talk with the Dodgers on a long-term deal that could be worth in excess of $6 billion over a 25-year term and contain an equity stake in the RSN.

Regardless of which entity emerges victorious or whether the Dodgers look to establish their own channel, Prime Ticket will televise the club's games during the 2013 MLB campaign under the final year of its contract.

Officials at Time Warner Cable Sports, which wrested Los Angeles Lakers rights from Fox Sports West and launched a pair of club-centric services in October, including the nation's first Spanish-language RSN, declined comment on questions about whether it has entered the negotiations.

Fox officials also declined to address the proceedings.