As teams around MLB circled Sept. 1 as a day for roster expansion, the Los Angeles Angels did something much more significant to transform their franchise: they read the writing on the wall.
Owner Arte Moreno, long the subject of fans’ cries and handmade signs to sell the team, did exactly that. He announced he will transfer the franchise to Kroenke Sports & Entertainment.
“The Angels Organization is pleased to announce this transaction with Kroenke Sports & Entertainment,” Moreno said in a statement released by the team. “The Moreno Family has been honored to steward the Angels for 23 years and we believe with KE’s experience and success they are the best next owner for the franchise.
“The Angels Organization looks forward to continuing its commitment to the fans, our employees, the players and our business partners.”
MORE: Former Dodgers utility player, World Series champion, retires at 33
Moreno purchased the franchise from the Disney Corporation in May 2003, months after the team won its only World Series. While the team was able to sustain its success under Moreno, general manager Bill Stoneman, and manager Mike Scioscia in the years that followed, the last decade has been one of turmoil.
Kroenke inherits a team that owns MLB’s longest postseason drought. The Angels haven’t tasted the postseason since they were swept by the Kansas City Royals in a 2014 AL Division Series.
While the Angels trudge toward what could be the first 100-loss season in franchise history — they’re 53-85 through Monday — their new owner brings a new hope.
MORE: Dodgers CEO makes clear statement about Mark Walter’s plans
“The Angels are a storied franchise anchored in a great market. We look forward to an exciting future with the Angels organization,” Stan Kroenke said in a statement.
Founded in 1999, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment owns Ball Arena in Denver, home of the NBA’s Nuggets and NHL’s Avalanche. In 2000, Kroenke became the full owner of both franchises. He has owned a stake in the Rams since 1995 and became the team’s full owner in 2010.
Now he will take control of a struggling — but potentially lucrative — team in MLB’s second-largest media market.
—Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter—
Leave a Comment