The Los Angeles Angels are entering a new era.
After 23 years of ownership under Arte Moreno, the Angels have agreed to be sold to billionaire Stan Kroenke, the owner of the Los Angeles Rams. The agreement, announced this week, is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027 pending approval from Major League Baseball.
The reported value of the deal is approximately $4 billion, which would make it the most expensive sale in MLB history. The transaction surpasses the recent $3.9 billion sale of the San Diego Padres and represents a massive increase in the franchise’s value.
For Angels fans, the sale brings the end of an era that has been filled with both exciting moments and plenty of frustration.
Moreno purchased the team in 2003, shortly after the Angels won their first World Series championship. During his ownership, the franchise had some successful seasons, but the team has struggled dramatically in recent years. The Angels have missed the playoffs every year since 2014 and are currently in the middle of their 11th consecutive losing season.
That lack of success has been especially frustrating considering the star power the Angels have had. The organization had Mike Trout for the majority of his career and also featured Shohei Ohtani for six seasons. Despite having two of baseball’s biggest stars, the Angels were unable to build a consistent postseason contender around them.
Now, Kroenke will attempt to change that.
Kroenke already owns an impressive collection of professional sports teams, including the Rams, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Rapids and English Premier League club Arsenal. His teams have experienced significant success, including championships with the Rams, Nuggets and Avalanche.
The Angels will become another major addition to his sports empire.
One of the biggest questions surrounding the sale will be what Kroenke plans to do with the franchise’s stadium situation. Angel Stadium is aging, and the team has previously explored plans involving a new ballpark. Kroenke’s ownership could potentially bring renewed attention to the stadium and surrounding area.
For Angels fans, however, the biggest hope is simple: winning baseball.
The sale gives the franchise a fresh start after more than two decades under Moreno. With a new owner coming in and the opportunity to rebuild the organization from the top down, Angels fans have plenty of reasons to be optimistic.
The Kroenke era is coming to Anaheim — and fans are hoping it finally brings the Angels back to October baseball.
