Federal Probe Targets Mark Walter Over $330 Billion Insurance-Fund Deals, Pulling Dodgers Into Fraud Scrutiny
Updated
Updated · SB Nation · Sep 4
Federal Probe Targets Mark Walter Over $330 Billion Insurance-Fund Deals, Pulling Dodgers Into Fraud Scrutiny
2 articles · Updated · SB Nation · Sep 4
Summary
Federal investigators are examining whether Mark Walter used life-insurance money to finance affiliated sports deals, including the Dodgers’ 2012 purchase and a $325 million-a-year local TV contract.
The podcast report says Guggenheim-backed insurers disclosed ownership of the Dodgers but not the SportsNet LA broadcast arrangement that allegedly helped secure MLB approval for Walter’s $2.15 billion bid.
Magic Johnson is also under scrutiny because he later took control of EquiTrust Life Insurance, which backed SportsNet LA, and then sold that stake shortly after news of the investigation surfaced.
The allegations extend beyond one team: Guggenheim manages more than $330 billion in U.S. assets, and the report argues millions of policyholders could bear the risk if sports valuations or related ventures sour.