Full Breakdown
Angels Sale to Stan Kroenke Signals Fresh Start for Franchise
9/7/2026, 3:47:06 AM
Sale Announcement and Immediate Reactions
Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno agreed to sell the club to billionaire Stan Kroenke for a reported $4 billion valuation. The transaction, expected to close in the first quarter of 2027, was announced amid a season in which the Angels hovered near a 100-loss mark and faced frequent “sell the team” chants from fans. Star outfielder Mike Trout said the change “doesn’t change” his commitment to remain with the franchise through his 2030 contract and described the sale as energizing.
Background & Context
Moreno purchased the Angels in 2003 and guided the team to a World Series title in 2002, but the franchise has recorded only one playoff appearance since 2010 and has endured 11 consecutive losing seasons. Critics have accused Moreno of being overly hands-on in baseball operations and under-investing relative to other MLB owners. The sale follows a prior, aborted 2022 attempt that stalled after five months of negotiations.
Official Statements & Responses
General manager John Mozeliak noted that the new ownership will shape future hiring decisions, especially regarding the manager’s contract and the head of baseball operations. Angels president Molly Jolly emphasized that winning remains the top priority and that the organization will continue its day-to-day work while awaiting Kroenke’s direction. Both executives framed the transition as a “fresh start” aimed at restoring a winning culture.
Data & Statistics
- Reported sale price: $4 billion, including the team’s television assets.
- Kroenke’s net worth: $24.3 billion, roughly five times Moreno’s $5 billion.
- Angels’ playoff record: one appearance since 2010; 11 straight losing seasons.
- Trout’s contract runs through the 2030 season, with a full no-trade clause.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Seeing the reaction from the fans and some of the guys and the whole vibe, I think it was needed for a fresh start,” — Mike Trout
- “I think it's exciting for everybody,” — John Mozeliak, angels general manager
- “Obviously we want the team to be successful, we want to win games, and that's a priority,” — Molly Jolly, angels president
- “The way that I know Arte is he has a traditional sense about him,” — Molly Jolly, angels president
