Rupert Murdoch has finally turned blue Dodger Blue.

As expected, the Australian-born media czar announced last week that he has reached a deal to buy the Los Angeles Dodgers.

No price was disclosed, although the sale was previously reported to be in the $350 million range. Peter O’Malley, whose father Walter bought the team in 1950, agreed to remain on as president. Fred Claire, Dodgers general manger, has been asked to remain with the team.

A Dodgers spokesman said ticket prices will not be affected by the deal, which must still be approved by other team owners. The vote is expected to take place between Jan. 13 and 15 in Phoenix

The Dodger deal is the second major entertainment purchase Murdoch’s News Corp. has made in recent months. Murdoch, who owns 20th Century Fox and the Fox Network, agreed to acquire International Family Entertainment, the parent of the Family Channel for $1.7 billion.

Murdoch’s world-wide entertainment and media empire includes TV Guide, Harper-Collins publishing house, The Times of London, The New York Post, Star TV in Asia and Skynews in Europe. The Dodger purchase reportedly fits Murdoch’s venture with cable giant Tele-Communications Inc. to form a sports network to challenge Walt Dinsey Co.’s ESPN sports channels. Disney owns the Anaheim-based Mighty Ducks hockey team and the California Angels baseball team.