The Los Angeles Angels are set to change ownership, marking a potential turning point for the franchise after a prolonged period of struggles on and off the field. Arte Moreno, who purchased the team in 2003 for $184 million, has agreed to sell the club to sports mogul Stan Kroenke in a deal expected to close in the first quarter of 2027. The transaction is valued at approximately $4 billion.
The Angels have faced challenges for more than a decade, finishing below .500 for 11 consecutive seasons and failing to win a postseason game since 2009. This year, the team is on track to record its first 100-loss season in franchise history. Despite this, the news of new ownership has sparked optimism among players and fans alike. Star outfielder Mike Trout expressed enthusiasm about the change, noting a positive atmosphere in the clubhouse and around the stadium.
Kroenke is a prominent sports owner whose company possesses multiple major professional teams including the Los Angeles Rams of the NFL, the Denver Nuggets of the NBA, the Colorado Avalanche of the NHL, the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer, and Arsenal FC in the English Premier League. His experience in developing and revitalizing sports franchises is expected to bring renewed hope to the Angels organization.
Notably, the sale does not include Angel Stadium or the surrounding property. However, given Kroenke’s track record — including the development of SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, located about 40 miles from the Angels’ ballpark — observers anticipate moves to either renovate the aging venue, which is the fourth-oldest in Major League Baseball, or potentially replace it. There is also interest in repurposing the underused land near the stadium.
Under Moreno's ownership, the Angels made substantial free agent investments in players like Josh Hamilton, Albert Pujols, and Anthony Rendon, but the franchise was criticized for underinvestment in facilities, training infrastructure, and staff resources. This included a refusal to fund travel for radio broadcasters during away games, as well as frequent managerial changes — the team has had six managers since 2019. In a controversial decision, the Angels chose not to trade star pitcher and hitter Shohei Ohtani before he signed as a free agent with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
In June, Moreno brought on former St. Louis Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak as a consultant to oversee baseball operations. Mozeliak has since made sweeping personnel changes, including firing six scouts and promoting two staff members to assistant general manager positions. It remains uncertain whether Mozeliak will continue in his role under Kroenke's ownership.
As the Angels prepare for new leadership, the franchise’s future direction and strategy will likely undergo significant evaluation, with hopes high for a revival after years of underperformance.