Dodgers' McCourt to sell to Magic's group

Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt has announced an agreement Tuesday to sell the bankrupt team for $2 billion to a group that includes former Lakers star Magic Johnson and former Braves and Nationals president Stan Kasten.

The agreement, revealed about five hours after Major League Baseball owners approved three finalists for the auction, is to lead to a transfer of the team by the end of April. It is subject to approval in federal bankruptcy court.

Mark Walter, chief executive of the financial services firm Guggenheim Partners would become the controlling owner. The price would be a record for a North American sports franchise.

As part of the agreement, the Dodgers said McCourt and "certain affiliates of the purchasers" would acquire the land surrounding Dodger Stadium for $150 million.

The acquiring group, called Guggenheim Baseball Management, includes Mandalay Entertainment chief executive Peter Guber.

"This agreement with Guggenheim reflects both the strength and future potential of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and assures that the Dodgers will have new ownership with deep local roots, which bodes well for the Dodgers, its fans and the Los Angeles community," McCourt said.

McCourt paid $430 million in 2004 to buy the team, Dodger Stadium and 250 acres of land that include the parking lots, from the Fox division of Rupert Murdoch's News Corp., a sale that left the team with about $50 million in cash at the time.

Cabrera cleared to play

Detroit Tigers' third baseman Miguel Cabrera has been given medical clearance to play again. Cabrera has been out since being hit in the face by a bad-hop grounder March 19. The ball broke a bone below Cabrera's right eye and caused a gash that needed eight stitches. -- AP