The timing is odd and the ramifications possibly mighty: Frank McCourt, the owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers is separating from his wife Jamie. The news was announced on the eve of the Dodgers’ appearance in the NLCS.

The Dodgers released a statement on behalf of the McCourts, acknowledging the separation.

"This is a personal matter and they request that their privacy be respected," the statement said.

Jamie McCourt isn’t simply Frank McCourt’s wife. She was promoted by Frank to CEO of the Dodgers just this past April.

“Jamie has done an outstanding job of assembling a talented management team, fostering a positive culture, and building a first-class business operation,” said Frank McCourt at the time.

A Bostonian, Frank McCourt purchased the Dodgers in 2004 for $430 million from NewsCorp.

While the McCourts have separated, a possible divorce could spell the sale of the Dodgers. As seen in with John Moores divorcing from his wife Becky, a nasty divorce could force the sale of an MLB club.

The big question is, why announce the separation on the eve of the Dodgers beginning the NLCS against the Phillies? MLB frowns upon negative news upstaging the postseason, so the timing could be tied something beyond growing friction between the power couple, especially given the promotion of Jamie in April.

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Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey. He is available for hire or freelance. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network.

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