Dodgers' McCourts in ownership tussle

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 26 (UPI) -- Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt might have to become business partners with his ex-wife to keep ownership of the team, her divorce attorneys say.

Jamie McCourt is claiming co-ownership of the ball club based on the decision by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Scott Gordon to throw out an agreement that would have granted her husband sole ownership of the National League team, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday.

Frank McCourt's attorneys deny Jamie McCourt's claim, saying Gordon's decision was limited to the validity of the agreement and that Frank McCourt would continue to own and operate the team until such time as another trial determines whether the team is community property.

Dennis Wasser, a lawyer for Jamie McCourt, said the McCourts might have to agree to work together as co-owners, perhaps with additional investors, to keep the Dodgers in the family.

An attorney for Frank McCourt had previously ruled out that possibility.

"Frank does not want to become business partners with his former wife," attorney Steve Susman said.