A Historic Change in Anaheim
Major League Baseball is bracing for a new era. Arte Moreno, who has been the face of the Los Angeles Angels for 23 years, has agreed to sell the team to businessman Stan Kroenke, according to sources close to the deal. The news, not yet officially confirmed by the MLB, marks the end of an era and the beginning of another full of expectations.
Moreno, who bought the franchise in 2003 for approximately 180 million dollars, turned the Angels into one of the most recognized teams in the league, though without achieving the coveted World Series title since 2002. During his tenure, the team signed stars like Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout, but postseason results were elusive.
“It's a bittersweet moment, but I'm proud of what we built in Anaheim,” Moreno reportedly said in an internal statement.
Who is Stan Kroenke?
Stan Kroenke is one of the most powerful sports magnates in the world. Born in Missouri in 1947, he owns the Los Angeles Rams (NFL), Arsenal FC (Premier League), Colorado Avalanche (NHL), and Denver Nuggets (NBA), among others. His fortune is estimated at over 12 billion dollars, according to Forbes.
Kroenke is no stranger to Southern California: besides the Rams, who play at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, he has interests in real estate and entertainment in the region. His arrival with the Angels could mean an injection of capital and a modern vision for the team.
What can Kroenke bring to the Angels?
Kroenke's experience managing successful franchises is his main calling card. With the Rams, he built a team that won the Super Bowl LVI in 2022, and with Arsenal he has driven an era of financial stability and competitiveness in Europe.
In Anaheim, Kroenke is expected to:
- Invest in infrastructure: Angel Stadium, which dates back to 1966, could receive a major renovation or even a new stadium.
- Strengthen the payroll: With his financial capacity, he could pursue big free agents to accompany Trout and Ohtani (if he re-signs).
- Modernize operations: His focus on analytics and talent development could give the organization a fresh boost.
The future of Ohtani and Trout
One of the hottest topics is the future of Shohei Ohtani, who will become a free agent at the end of the 2023 season. With Kroenke's arrival, the Angels could have more resources to retain the Japanese superstar, though there are no guarantees. Mike Trout, for his part, is under contract until 2030 and has expressed his desire to win a championship in Anaheim.
Angels fans hope the ownership change will finally bring the stability and success they crave. Meanwhile, the MLB must approve the sale, a process that could take several months.
Reactions and expectations
The news has generated mixed reactions. Some fans view the arrival of an owner with unlimited resources positively, while others fear Kroenke might prioritize his other teams. However, his track record suggests he is an owner committed to winning.
“Kroenke is a winner. If he does with the Angels what he did with the Rams, we're in luck,” commented a fan on social media.
The sale, expected to close by the end of 2026, will mark a before and after in the franchise's history. For now, the Angels continue their 2026 season with their sights set on the playoffs, while the future looks promising.