Kroenke Sports and Entertainment has finalized an agreement to acquire controlling interest in the Los Angeles Angels from Arte Moreno, further extending its extensive portfolio of teams across all major U.S. professional sports by adding the struggling baseball franchise.
The announcement, made by Stan Kroenke’s organization on Tuesday, revealed plans to complete the deal in early 2027. Major League Baseball, which must give its approval for the sale, has not yet provided any comment on the development.
Kroenke’s holdings already include the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams, Premier League champions Arsenal, the NBA’s Denver Nuggets, the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, and Major League Soccer’s Colorado Rapids, in addition to SoFi Stadium and the expansive Hollywood Park complex surrounding the multi-billion dollar arena in Inglewood. With the addition of the Angels, the organization is set to enter the realm of baseball, concluding Moreno’s tumultuous 23-year tenure as owner.
“The Angels represent a historic franchise situated in a fantastic market,” Kroenke stated. “We anticipate a thrilling future with the Angels organization.”
Moreno, an Arizona-based outdoor advertising executive, acquired the Angels from the Walt Disney Company in 2003. The team enjoyed a period of success during Moreno’s early years of ownership, particularly with the roster that clinched the 2002 World Series, winning five AL West titles over six seasons in the 2000s. However, the Angels have since experienced a decline, with their last playoff win occurring in 2009.
Currently, the Angels hold the worst record in the American League at 53-85, marking what will be their 11th consecutive losing season and 12th straight year without a playoff appearance, both of which represent the longest active streaks in Major League Baseball.
Remarkably, the Angels have reached the postseason only once during the 16-year career of three-time AL MVP Mike Trout, who has been paired with two-time AL MVP Shohei Ohtani for six seasons without any playoff success.
The Kroenke Effect
In stark contrast, Kroenke’s teams have consistently ranked among the top performers in their respective sports in recent years.
The Rams, Avalanche, Nuggets, and Arsenal have all secured championships in their leagues over the past five years, and all four remain formidable contenders for titles during a resurgence for an ownership group that faced criticism for its initial struggles in English soccer and for relocating the Rams back to Los Angeles from St. Louis.
Many of the Angels’ difficulties over the last two decades can be traced back to Moreno, who has often meddled in personnel decisions while showing less engagement in other aspects of the organization.
Despite his willingness to invest heavily in payroll to create a competitive team, many of his key acquisitions have fallen short of expectations, including costly signings like Anthony Rendon, Gary Matthews Jr., Josh Hamilton, and others that proved to be failures. Even his landmark $240 million contract with Albert Pujols did not yield the anticipated home runs or victories.
Challenges During the Moreno Era
Moreno has faced significant backlash for underfunding infrastructure, resources, and support staff compared to other MLB franchises. Off the field, the Angels have experienced numerous issues during his ownership, including the tragic drug-related death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs and various smaller controversies.
Although Moreno’s decision to rebrand the franchise from the Anaheim Angels in an effort to cultivate a national identity was widely criticized, the team maintained a solid box office presence with its loyal fan base in Orange County for most of his time in charge, but frustrations have grown in recent years. This season, Angel Stadium has seen smaller crowds, with fans frequently chanting “Sell the team!” and directing their ire at Moreno.
The mounting lack of success has taken a toll on Moreno, whose children reportedly have no interest in continuing the family legacy in baseball. In 2022, he publicly considered selling the Angels but ultimately withdrew the team from the market in early 2023.
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Earlier this year, a notable shift occurred when Moreno dismissed general manager Perry Minasian and brought in John Mozeliak on an interim basis to oversee baseball operations. Mozeliak, who has a long history with the St. Louis Cardinals, has already implemented significant changes to revamp the stagnant operation, initiating a rebuilding effort after years of resistance from Moreno.
“The Moreno family has been privileged to lead the Angels for 23 years, and we believe that with KSE’s experience and accomplishments, they are the ideal next owners for the franchise,” Moreno stated. “The Angels organization is eager to continue its commitment to our fans, employees, players, and business partners.”
Moreno, who is of Mexican-American descent, was the first Latino majority owner in Major League Baseball and remained the only one until Puerto Rican billionaire Jose E. Feliciano completed his purchase of the San Diego Padres last month. Currently, Latino and Hispanic players make up approximately 30 percent of major league rosters.
Kroenke Sports and Entertainment will become only the fourth permanent owner of the Angels, a team that began as an American League expansion franchise in 1961, founded by early Hollywood star Gene Autry. After his passing, his widow Jackie owned the team temporarily for a year before selling it to Disney in 1999.