Stan Kroenke Sports + Entertainment announced on September 1 an agreement to purchase a controlling interest in the Los Angeles Angels from Arte Moreno in a deal expected to close in the first quarter of 2027, pending MLB approval [1, 2, 3]. The reported $4 billion sale price sets a Major League Baseball record valuation for a single team and includes both the Angels and their regional sports network, Angels Broadcast Television [4].
Arte Moreno acquired the Angels for $183.5 million in 2003 after the franchise’s only World Series victory the prior season [1, 3, 5]. Since then, the team has made the playoffs only once under Moreno’s ownership, in 2014, but has failed to win a postseason game in more than two decades [1, 3]. Moreno said, "The Moreno Family has been honored to steward the Angels for 23 years and we believe with KSE's experience and success they are the best next owner for the franchise" [2].
Kroenke Sports + Entertainment currently owns several major sports teams including the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams, NBA’s Denver Nuggets, NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, MLS’s Colorado Rapids, and Premier League club Arsenal [1, 2, 6]. Kroenke said, "The Angels are a storied franchise anchored in a great market. We look forward to an exciting future with the Angels organization" [1].
Star outfielder Mike Trout, a 12-time All-Star and 3-time MVP who has been with the Angels since 2011, expressed enthusiasm for the new ownership. "No, it doesn't change. I got four years left on my deal. I'm excited. Look, the track record, it's there," Trout said. He added, "What a track record. Wherever he buys, he wins" [6].
The $4 billion valuation and agreement come amid looming collective bargaining challenges in MLB, and are seen as reducing the likelihood of a long-term lockout by demonstrating continued high franchise values [5].
The sale is expected to close in the first quarter of 2027 once all approvals are complete [1, 2, 3].
