The Los Angeles Angels are set to have a new owner: Stan Kroenke, who already owns the Rams, Colorado Avalanche, Denver Nuggets, and Arsenal. The deal, which values the Angels at a record $4 billion for a major league team, sees current owner Arte Moreno retaining a small stake. The sale includes the team-owned television and radio outlets, ABTV and AM 830, and is subject to customary closing conditions and MLB approval.
The news comes after a season of Angels fans regularly chanting “Sell the Team!” amid 12 consecutive losing seasons. Mike Trout, who has played 16 seasons with the Angels, expressed immediate optimism. “What a track record,” Trout said of Kroenke, adding, “Wherever he buys, he wins.” Trout had not stopped smiling since learning of the new owner and calling some Rams players for a scouting report, dropping the phrase “fresh start” multiple times.
Forbes values Kroenke’s net worth at $24 billion, making him baseball’s richest owner. Angels president Molly Jolly stated that Moreno was aware of the fan chants and that the focus was on finding "the right next owner." Jolly confirmed the sale was not a formal bidding process but arose from face-to-face discussions between Kroenke and Moreno. She also suggested Kroenke’s "traditional sense" resonated with Moreno, helping to finalize the deal.
While the sale is not expected to be finalized until early next year, and Kroenke has yet to conduct standard due diligence or meet with Anaheim city officials regarding the city-owned stadium and surrounding land, the clubhouse vibe is positive. Player Neto echoed Trout’s sentiment, noting that feedback from the Rams’ locker room indicated Kroenke prioritizes the players’ needs, whether for amenities or other support. Interim General Manager John Mozeliak, who began his role aware of the possibility of a sale, noted that rebuilding efforts will continue.
Despite the "hate" Moreno received from some fans, players like Neto and Trout expressed appreciation for how Moreno treated them. The sale defies predictions that teams would not sell until a new collective bargaining agreement, with Mozeliak acknowledging that "prediction was wrong." For now, it’s business as usual for the Angels, as they inch toward their first 100-loss season in franchise history.
