Kroenke Sports and Entertainment has finalized an agreement to acquire a controlling stake in the Los Angeles Angels from Arte Moreno, expanding its portfolio of sports teams in the U.S. The company, led by Stan Kroenke, made the unexpected announcement on Tuesday, anticipating the transaction’s completion in early 2027. Major League Baseball, responsible for approving the sale, has not yet commented on this development.
Kroenke’s organization already possesses NFL’s Los Angeles Rams, Premier League’s Arsenal, NBA’s Denver Nuggets, NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, Major League Soccer’s Colorado Rapids, and SoFi Stadium, along with the sprawling Hollywood Park campus surrounding the multibillion-dollar Inglewood arena. With the addition of the Angels, the conglomerate ventures into baseball, marking the end of Moreno’s tumultuous 23-year ownership era.
Stan Kroenke expressed optimism about the Angels’ potential, stating, “The Angels are a revered franchise situated in a prime market. We are excited about the future with the Angels organization.” Moreno, an advertising tycoon from Arizona, acquired the Angels from the Walt Disney Company in 2003. While the team initially saw success under Moreno’s leadership, winning five AL West titles in six seasons, their performance has dwindled since their last playoff victory in 2009.
Currently, the Angels hold the lowest record in the AL at 53-85, heading towards their 11th consecutive losing season and 12th straight non-playoff season, the longest active streaks in the MLB. Despite star players like Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani, the team’s postseason appearances have been scarce.
In contrast, Kroenke’s teams have excelled in recent years, clinching championships in their respective leagues. The Rams, Avalanche, Nuggets, and Arsenal have been dominant forces, showcasing the success of the ownership group that overcame early challenges in English soccer and the Rams’ relocation.
Moreno’s tenure with the Angels faced criticism for his involvement in personnel decisions while neglecting essential aspects of the organization. The team’s struggles can be attributed to his costly acquisitions that failed to deliver expected results, leading to a series of setbacks. The lack of infrastructure and off-field issues further marred Moreno’s era, causing displeasure among the fan base.
Earlier this year, Moreno made significant changes by appointing John Mozeliak to oversee baseball operations, aiming to revamp the team after years of stagnation. Moreno acknowledged the Angels’ 23-year legacy under his family’s stewardship, expressing confidence in Kroenke Sports and Entertainment as the ideal future owner for the franchise.
Kroenke Sports and Entertainment will become the fourth permanent owner of the Angels, established in 1961 as an AL expansion team by Gene Autry. The acquisition marks a new chapter for the Angels, transitioning from Moreno’s ownership to a potentially transformative era under Kroenke’s leadership.