Dodgers, Fox expected to miss deadline but keep talking on TV deal

The Dodgers and Fox Sports are not expected to conclude a television deal by Friday, according to a person familiar with the negotiations but not authorized to discuss them.

However, the two sides are expected to continue talks on a contract that could be worth more than $6 billion over 25 years, according to two parties familiar with the talks.

Friday marks the final day of the exclusive negotiating window between Fox and the Dodgers. It is unclear whether the two sides would agree to extend the window or simply keep talking while the Dodgers consider other options, most notably Time Warner Cable Sportsnet.

TWC has made no secret of its intention to bid for the Dodgers if the opportunity arises. TWC signed the Lakers for a guaranteed $3.6 billion over 20 years, with options that could make the deal worth $5 billion over 25 years. That deal pays the Lakers straight cash, via an annual rights fee.

The Dodgers’ proposed deal with Fox would not pay the team straight cash but would provide the team with a substantial ownership stake in Prime Ticket.

If the Dodgers and Fox do not reach a deal by Friday and do not extend the exclusive negotiating window, the team would have to provide Fox with a final offer by Dec. 7. Fox would then have 30 days to accept or reject the offer.

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