The $4 billion deal marks a new chapter for the beleaguered franchise and its fans
Category: Sports
Stan Kroenke, owner of the NFL's Los Angeles Rams, has agreed to purchase the Los Angeles Angels for a record $4 billion, marking a dramatic shift in ownership for the beleaguered Major League Baseball franchise. The announcement, made on September 1, 2026, signals the end of Arte Moreno's turbulent 23-year tenure, which has seen the team struggle with its longest playoff drought in baseball history.
The deal, which is expected to close in early 2027 pending Major League Baseball approval, positions Kroenke Sports and Entertainment as a major player across multiple sports leagues, including the NBA, NHL, and MLS. The acquisition adds another prestigious franchise to a portfolio that already includes the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, and Premier League champion Arsenal.
Moreno, who purchased the team from the Walt Disney Company in 2003, initially enjoyed success, leading the Angels to five American League West titles in six seasons during the 2000s. The franchise celebrated its only World Series championship in 2002, shortly before Moreno took ownership. Since then, the team's fortunes have dwindled significantly, with the Angels failing to win a playoff game since 2009.
This season, the Angels are struggling with a record of 53-85, heading toward their 11th consecutive losing season. This dismal performance has fueled frustration among fans, many of whom have taken to chanting "Sell the team!" during games. The prolonged lack of success has eroded the once-loyal fan base, leading many to question Moreno's leadership and commitment to building a competitive team.
In a statement, Kroenke expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, saying, "The Angels are a storied franchise anchored in a great market. We look forward to an exciting future with the Angels organization." This sentiment mirrors the hopes of many fans who have long awaited a turnaround for the team.
Moreno's ownership has been marked by both on-field struggles and off-field controversies. Under his leadership, the Angels have seen a series of high-profile acquisitions that failed to deliver the expected results. Notable missteps include the signings of players like Anthony Rendon and Albert Pujols, whose contracts did not yield the anticipated impact on the team's performance. Moreno's management style, often characterized by his direct involvement in personnel decisions, has drawn criticism as the team has struggled to maintain competitiveness.
In recent years, the organization has also faced numerous challenges, including the tragic drug-related death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs and various scandals that have marred its reputation. In February 2023, Moreno briefly explored selling the team but decided against it, stating he needed to improve the team's performance. This decision was met with skepticism from fans, especially as the Angels continued to languish at the bottom of the standings.
As fans expressed their frustrations through protests and chants, Moreno made a notable change by firing general manager Perry Minasian and hiring John Mozeliak as interim general manager. Mozeliak has begun restructuring the team's operations and implementing a conventional rebuild, a shift that many hope will improve the organization’s prospects moving forward.
The sale of the Angels to Kroenke Sports and Entertainment is expected to usher in a new era for the franchise. With Kroenke's track record of investing heavily in his teams, fans are hopeful that the Angels will receive the resources necessary to rebuild and compete effectively in Major League Baseball. Kroenke's previous successes with the Rams, Nuggets, and Avalanche suggest that he understands what it takes to build a winning organization.
As the sale awaits MLB approval, the Angels will continue to navigate the challenges of the current season, which has been marked by disappointment and frustration. The team’s management will likely focus on making strategic moves to improve the roster ahead of the upcoming season, as fans eagerly anticipate the changes that Kroenke's ownership might bring.
In the broader Southern California sports ownership scene, the timing of this sale is particularly notable. Just weeks before Kroenke's announcement, Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner purchased a majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers for a record $12.5 billion. This flurry of activity among high-profile franchises highlights the competitive nature of sports ownership in the region and the potential for transformation within these storied organizations.
As the Angels prepare for their next chapter, Kroenke's commitment to revitalizing the franchise will be closely examined by fans and analysts alike. The anticipated closing of the sale in early 2027 marks a turning point for a team that has long struggled to reclaim its former glory. With the right leadership and investment, the Angels could emerge as a competitive force in Major League Baseball once again.