Report: A-Rod, JLo end talks to purchase Mets

Retired baseball legend Alex Rodriguez and his wife, recording artist/actress Jennifer Lopez, are no longer interested in buying the New York Mets, according to Thornton McEnery of the New York Post.

The couple reportedly reached a decision after talks with potential partners fell apart and it became evident that the team's current owners, the Wilpon family, are reluctant to sell their shares in SNY (a regional sports network in New York that broadcasts Mets games).

Billionaire Wayne Rothbaum, who Rodriguez and Lopez wished to partner with, only wanted to purchase the Mets at a discount rate and desired more control over the team than the couple was willing to offer, McEnery reports.

"The Rothbaum thing soured fast," a source told McEnery. "He was not their first choice, but he was the first to agree to next steps."

Rodriguez and Lopez reportedly retained JPMorgan Chase to raise capital for a possible bid in April. It's believed the couple's net worth is around $700 million, while the franchise is valued at $2.4 billion, according to Forbes.

In a separate deal, hedge fund operator Steve Cohen backed out of buying an 80% stake in the Mets at the last minute in February.