On September 1, the Los Angeles Angels put out a team statement saying that current owner Arte Moreno will be selling the team to Kroenke Sports & Entertainment. In an MLB record $4 billion sale, Moreno is leaving the Halos family after 23 years.
The sale is expected to become official in the first quarter of 2027, pending approval from the league. In a statement announcing the sale, Moreno said, “We believe with KSE’s [Kroenke Sports and Entertainment] experience and success, they are the best next owner for the franchise.”
Who is Stanley Kroenke?
For those who don’t know Stanley Kroenke, he’s the current owner of seven professional sports teams, not including the Angels, spanning five sports. Kroenke Sports and Entertainment owns the Los Angeles Rams, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, Arsenal F.C. (both men’s and women’s), Colorado Rapids, and the Colorado Mammoth.
While many sports have a few things in common, the one thing that connects each of these teams is the ability to win. The most recent winning seasons are:
- LA Rams → 2022
- Denver Nuggets → 2023
- Colorado Avalanche → 2022
- Arsenal F.C (Women) → 2025
- Colorado Rapids → 2010
- Colorado Mammoth → 2022
What Does Kroenke Mean for the Angels?
Kroenke knows how to shape his teams and when to spend the money needed. Comparatively, one of the complaints Halo fans have had over the years with Moreno was his hot-and-cold approach to spending money on free agents.
The Angels are infamous for their poor multi-year, multi-million dollar contracts that do not pan out, like Josh Hamilton, Albert Pujols, and Anthony Rendon, to name a few. At the same time, the Angels are also notorious for their refusal to spend money and for allowing key players to walk, like Shohei Ohtani in 2023.
Evidently, Kroenke is not afraid to spend the money if it’s what he believes is needed. This would be a new concept for the Angels.
What Changed Moreno’s Mind?
Arte Moreno originally announced that he was exploring his options for selling the team in 2022. Eventually, Moreno decided before the 2023 season that he was not going to sell.
This disappointment was felt throughout the fanbase. Angels fans made sure to make those feelings known. With chants of “Sell the Team” making an everyday appearance in the ballpark, Moreno knew where he stood in this fanbase.
Ken Rosenthal reported that Moreno was tired of the chants and that “the negative environment did affect him.”
Along with the chants, the bare stadiums have certainly been a wake-up call for Moreno.
Any Potential Downsides to the Deal?
While the deal seems perfect, and many Halo fans will be happy with this decision, there is one thing still in the air.
With Kroenke taking over, there is a possibility of the team being moved out of Anaheim. A few fans have mentioned the possibility that the team could move to Inglewood, which would be closer to SoFi Stadium, home of the Rams.
That’s all a possibility; however, the only statements about it have been speculation from fans. Kroenke has made no statement or inclination of his plans to move. It’s just something to keep in mind as more comes out about this deal.
Looking to the Future
The excitement about the sale is palpable among Halo fans. The Angels are ready for this new chapter to begin. There is a good chance this change will bring more victories for the team and be the spark they’ve needed these last few seasons.
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