MCCOURT SPORTS & MEDIA
The Power of Sports
Our belief in the power of sports to bring people together is an integral part of our heritage, dating back nearly a century ago when Frank McCourt’s grandfather, Francis McCourt, became a part-owner of the Boston Braves.
In 2016, MG acquired the iconic Ligue 1 French football club Olympique de Marseille (OM), which played in its first Europa League final in 14 years in its second season under MG’s ownership and returned to the sport’s biggest stage, the UEFA Champions League, in 2020 and 2022. Our company is proud to serve as steward of this legendary club, which inspires and unites the citizens of France’s oldest city, has helped make Marseille one of the world’s fastest growing destinations, and elevates the local community through the work of the OM Foundation.
About om foundation
Channeling passion from the game to make positive change
Created in 2017, the OM Foundation transforms the unifying power of sport, the passion of its fans, and the strength of the Olympique de Marseille brand into a vector of social responsibility, cultural development, and economic opportunity. By harnessing the iconic OM brand, its savoir-faire, and its deep roots in the city, the OM Foundation aims to be a facilitator for engagement for Marseille youth and a key player in the sustainable transformation of the city.
Straight to the Heart: OM Foundation’s 4 Pillars of Action
Since its start in 1883, OM’s rallying cry has been droit au but, a powerful play on words that means “straight to the point” in French – and “straight to the goal”, le but, for l’OM. The OM Foundation’s motto is droit au coeur, “straight to the heart.” Positioned at the heart of the club and Marseille, with the city’s needs at heart, to touch the hearts of the Marseillais.
At the heart of a more sporty city
Make sports more accessible to all and use it to advance our common values.
1
At the heart of a more united city
Reduce inequalities and bring joy to the Marseillais
2
At the heart of a more innovative city
Use innovation to boost the development of young Marseillais
3
At the heart of a more sustainable city
Protect the Mediterranean Sea and reduce plastic waste
4
Past Sports & Media Initiatives
2014-2022:
Equestrian Endeavors
Global Champions League
In 2014, MG became 50 percent owner of the Global Champions League and Tour, the equestrian world’s most celebrated international show-jumping competition, which MG successfully exited in 2022.
Miami Celtics
MG also has franchised the acclaimed Miami Celtics equestrian show-jumping team for multiple seasons, most recently in 2022, when the Celtics claimed the Global Champions League Super Cup.
2008-2019:
Los Angeles Marathon
In 2008, MG acquired the operating rights to the Los Angeles Marathon, where MG designed a visionary “Stadium to the Sea” course for this celebrated annual event. Later, MG donated the for-profit endurance race business to the nonprofit The McCourt Foundation.
2004-2012:
Los Angeles Dodgers
In 2004, Frank extended his family’s sports legacy by acquiring the Los Angeles Dodgers. Under his stewardship, the Dodgers achieved a victory in the playoffs for the first time since 1988 and back-to-back National League Championship Series appearances.
Dodger Stadium
Utilizing his deep experience as a builder, Frank worked to improve Dodger Stadium and spring training facilities. In 2005, Dodger Stadium unveiled significant renovations, including full seating replacements in the bowl area, a full renovation of the field level, and stadium club improvements for an enhanced game day experience. In 2009, Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona, opened as a new 13,000-seat stadium and practice facility, which was a ground-up project spearheaded by Frank that is now home to the L.A. Dodgers and Chicago White Sox spring training camps.
Global Reach
In 2008, the Dodgers and San Diego Padres traveled to Beijing to play a two-game exhibition series, which still holds the record as being the first and only MLB games to be played in China.
Community Impact
The team also expanded its community impact efforts. As owner, Frank worked in partnership with the Dodgers Dream Foundation in committing to build fifty “Dodger Dreamfields” to provide children throughout Greater Los Angeles with access to baseball fields. And in 2005, the Dodgers made a $1 million-plus commitment to the Jackie Robinson Foundation, donating $105,000 each year for 10 years to fund 42 college scholarships per year.
In 2012, Frank sold the Dodgers for $2.2 billion — at the time, the largest sale of a professional sports franchise in history. This paved the way for an eventually record-breaking, $7 billion media rights deal. As part of the sale, the new owners agreed to continue the Dreamfield initiative and have pledged to complete seventy-five fields by 2033, the 75th anniversary of the Dodgers’ move to Los Angeles. To date, 60 Dreamfields have been created to serve children across the region.
