Stan Kroenke has reached an agreement to purchase the Los Angeles Angels from Arte Moreno, marking a significant change in ownership for the Major League Baseball franchise. While the exact terms have yet to be finalized, reports suggest the purchase price is approximately $4 billion, substantially exceeding Forbes’ previous valuation of the team at $2.9 billion.
The acquisition has drawn varied reactions from fans and commentators alike. Some observers question the steep premium Kroenke is reportedly paying, noting it surpasses valuations by more than $1 billion. “One can understand overpaying by a bit to acquire something special, but overpaying by more than a billion dollars is highly questionable,” said James Regan, a resident of Carlsbad.
Among Angels supporters, anticipation about the ownership change is high. A number of longtime fans expressed optimism that Kroenke’s track record in sports management could bring renewed success to a franchise that has struggled in recent years. Ken Feldman of Tarzana described the sale as “joy in Orange County” after the Angels last won a playoff game in 2009. Feldman highlighted the generational divide, noting his 18-year-old cousin, whose family have been season-ticket holders since 1986, reacted with enthusiasm upon hearing the news.
Steve Shaevel of Woodland Hills, a lifelong fan, praised Kroenke’s reputation for assembling effective leadership teams and requested that the new ownership maintain local broadcasters and keep ticket prices affordable. “To go to a Dodger game it is at least two to three times as expensive,” he said, emphasizing the financial strain for families attending games.
Some voices expressed gratitude toward Moreno for his tenure despite the franchise’s limited postseason achievements. Steve Geary of Corona del Mar offered a tempered appreciation, acknowledging Moreno’s stewardship in assembling the team’s star players Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani, but credited the sale as a potentially positive turning point by passing control to an owner with a “remarkable history of building successful teams.”
Additionally, some fans hope Kroenke will revisit the team’s branding. Stephen Mirkin of North Hollywood suggested restoring the club’s former name, such as the Anaheim Angels or California Angels, as a way to reconnect with its history.
The sale is pending completion of all formalities, including signing necessary documents. Upon finalization, Kroenke will assume stewardship of a franchise that has often underperformed relative to expectations despite possessing top-tier talent, signaling a new chapter for the Angels and their fan base.