Dodgers Exec: 'Business as Usual' with Owner Mark Walter Amidst Investigations

Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman stated that the team's operations remain on track with owner Mark Walter, despite ongoing investigations into Walter's other business dealings. Friedman described his post-NLCS elimination conversation with Walter as "business as usual."

Friedman, speaking at an end-of-season press conference, indicated that Walter, while disappointed with the team's playoff exit, was already looking ahead. "What can we do? What are our plans? What are our thoughts for the offseason?" Friedman recounted Walter asking, emphasizing the owner's focus on preparing for the 2027 season.

This assurance comes after a tumultuous period for Walter's business empire. The owner has been facing a federal investigation into several insurance companies he owns, and in June, he sold the Los Angeles Lakers. These events had raised questions about his ability to continue funding the Dodgers at their previous high levels and fueled speculation about a potential sale of the baseball franchise.

However, team officials have consistently downplayed these concerns. Team president Stan Kasten repeatedly addressed Walter's situation throughout the season, stating that the Dodgers were not for sale and refuting claims that the investigations would impact the team's operations. Walter's holding company, TWG Global, also issued a statement in August denying allegations of fraud and confirming that the team was not being sold.

Despite these assurances, the Dodgers have set Major League Baseball payroll records in recent years, spending $415.2 million in 2025 and $432.8 million in 2026, according to Cot's Baseball Contracts' luxury tax calculations. The team is now heading into an offseason focused on retooling for a return to World Series contention, with "business as usual" serving as the prevailing sentiment from ownership.