Kroenke Sports and Entertainment has finalized an agreement to acquire majority ownership of the Los Angeles Angels from Arte Moreno, broadening its portfolio of sports franchises to include the struggling baseball team, in addition to its existing holdings in various major U.S. professional sports leagues.
The announcement of the acquisition was made by Stan Kroenke’s company on Tuesday, with the transaction expected to be completed in early 2027, pending approval from Major League Baseball. The conglomerate, which already owns the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams, Premier League’s Arsenal, NBA’s Denver Nuggets, NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, MLS’ Colorado Rapids, and SoFi Stadium, is now entering the realm of baseball with the addition of the Angels, marking the end of Moreno’s turbulent 23-year tenure as owner.
Expressing optimism about the future, Kroenke stated, “The Angels have a rich history in a vibrant market, and we are excited about the prospects ahead with the Angels organization.”
Moreno, who acquired the Angels in 2003 from the Walt Disney Company, initially saw success with the team, winning multiple division titles in the early 2000s. However, the club has since faced a decline, with their last playoff victory dating back to 2009. Currently, the Angels hold the worst record in the American League at 53-85, heading towards their 11th consecutive losing season and 12th straight non-playoff season, the longest active streaks in MLB.
In contrast, Kroenke’s other sports franchises have enjoyed success in recent years, with championship victories by the Rams, Avalanche, Nuggets, and Arsenal within the last five years. Despite early challenges in English soccer and the relocation of the Rams from St. Louis, Kroenke’s ownership group has solidified its position as contenders in their respective leagues.
Criticism of Moreno stems from his interference in personnel decisions and a lack of investment in resources compared to other MLB teams. The Angels have faced off-field issues during Moreno’s ownership, including the tragic death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs and other scandals. Despite attempts to rebrand the team, attendance at Angel Stadium has dwindled, with fans expressing frustration towards Moreno.
Earlier this year, significant changes were made within the Angels organization, including the dismissal of general manager Perry Minasian and the appointment of John Mozeliak to oversee baseball operations on an interim basis. The move signaled a shift in strategy towards rebuilding and revitalizing the team after years of stagnation under Moreno’s leadership.
As the Angels prepare for new ownership, Moreno acknowledged the legacy of his family’s stewardship of the franchise for over two decades, expressing confidence in Kroenke Sports and Entertainment as the ideal successor. With this acquisition, Kroenke’s group becomes only the fourth permanent owner in the Angels’ history, tracing back to their inception as an American League expansion team in 1961.
