Why Dodgers deal may mean higher cable bills [video]
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Why did Magic Johnson and his partners spend so much for the Dodgers -- a record $2.15 billion?
Entertainment business reporter Joe Flint says it’s because they expect to make it back on television revenue -- and that would mean higher cable rates.
Fox’s regional cable network Prime Ticket carries Dodgers games at about $38 million per season. That is comparatively low in a time of skyrocketing rights fees, Flint says. Fox’s contract with the Dodgers runs through the 2013 season.
Flint says cable companies could offer to pay double or triple what the Dodgers are currently getting, but that might not be the only scenario.
The Dodgers could create their own cable sports channel, a la the Yankees.
In the end, who pays more? The fans.
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Photo: Dodgers starter Nate Eovaldi throws to the San Francisco Giants during the first inning of a spring training baseball game in Scottsdale, Ariz. Credit: Associated Press
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