Duration: 1979-2011
Probably one of the most notably ugly fights over an athletic club was spawned by one of the most notably ugly spousal splits in California history. The McCourts had been married for 30 years and the longer they stayed wed the richer they got, with an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion. But as they say, money ain’t everything. The couple began to fight over control over the Los Angeles Dodgers, which they owned. He eventually fired her from her CEO position and accused her of adultery. Not to be undone, she demanded her $2 million salary back. It got worse, went on for years, and decimated the once-powerhouse baseball team. The result was a $131 million settlement that left Frank McCourt with control of the team.