Kroenke Sports and Entertainment has agreed to acquire a majority stake in the Los Angeles Angels from Arte Moreno, marking a significant expansion of its sports portfolio that already includes teams in various major U.S. professional leagues. The announcement, made by Stan Kroenke’s company, revealed plans to finalize the deal by early 2027, pending approval from Major League Baseball.
The acquisition adds the Angels to Kroenke’s already impressive roster of sports franchises, which includes the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams, Premier League champion Arsenal, the NBA’s Denver Nuggets, the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, Major League Soccer’s Colorado Rapids, and the iconic SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. This move signals the end of Moreno’s tumultuous 23-year ownership of the Angels.
Expressing excitement about the future, Kroenke stated, “The Angels are a renowned team situated in a vibrant market. We anticipate a promising journey ahead with the Angels organization.” Moreno, who purchased the Angels from Walt Disney Company in 2003, initially saw success with the team, clinching multiple AL West titles in the early 2000s, including the 2002 World Series win. However, the team has faced a downward trajectory since their last playoff triumph in 2009.
Currently holding the worst record in the AL at 53-85, the Angels are on track for their 11th consecutive losing season and 12th straight non-playoff season, making them the MLB’s longest active streak holders in both categories. Despite star players like Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani, the team has struggled to secure playoff berths, with only one appearance during Trout’s 16-year career.
In contrast, Kroenke’s sports franchises have consistently excelled in recent years, with championship victories in the NFL, NBA, NHL, and Premier League. This success marks a turnaround for an ownership group that initially faced criticism for its performance in English soccer and the controversial Rams relocation.
The Angels’ struggles during Moreno’s tenure have been attributed to his management style, characterized by intrusive involvement in personnel decisions and a lack of investment in infrastructure and support staff. Costly player acquisitions like Anthony Rendon and Josh Hamilton failed to deliver expected results, contributing to the team’s decline.
Despite challenges, the Angels remained a popular draw for Orange County fans, although recent discontent among supporters led to chants urging Moreno to sell the team. Moreno’s exploration of a sale in 2022, followed by a change in decision in 2023, reflected his waning interest in baseball ownership.
A pivotal moment occurred when Moreno replaced the general manager and brought in John Mozeliak to revamp the team’s operations. Mozeliak’s appointment signals a new chapter for the Angels, as the organization looks to rebuild and enhance its competitiveness under new ownership.
Kroenke Sports and Entertainment’s acquisition marks a significant shift in the Angels’ ownership history, with the team set to transition to its fourth permanent owner since its establishment in 1961. This move underscores a new era for the Angels, founded by Gene Autry and now poised for a fresh direction under Kroenke’s stewardship.
