Stan Kroenke, a prominent figure in the sports industry, is on the verge of expanding his extensive sports empire with the acquisition of Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles Angels. On September 1, Kroenke reached an agreement to purchase the franchise from longtime owner Arte Moreno for a staggering $4 billion, pending approval from MLB.
This potential acquisition is significant as it would position Kroenke as the first owner to have control over teams in the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB. His portfolio already includes the Los Angeles Rams of the NFL, the Denver Nuggets of the NBA, and the Colorado Avalanche of the NHL, in addition to several soccer franchises including Arsenal in the English Premier League and the Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer.
With the addition of the Angels, Kroenke's sports holdings would be valued at approximately $25.7 billion, according to the latest Forbes valuations. This figure surpasses other notable sports moguls, such as Josh Harris, whose portfolio, which includes the Washington Commanders, Philadelphia 76ers, and New Jersey Devils, is estimated at around $15.5 billion. The Glazer family, owners of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Manchester United, have a combined valuation of $13.8 billion, while Madison Square Garden Sports, which owns the New York Knicks and Rangers, follows closely at $13.75 billion.
The valuation of the Angels is particularly noteworthy as it exceeds Forbes' most recent estimate of $2.8 billion by a significant margin. This trend of franchises selling for higher than expected valuations has been observed in recent MLB transactions. For instance, the sale of the San Diego Padres earlier this year was 26% above their valuation, while the Tampa Bay Rays sale last year exceeded their estimate by 36%.
In the broader context of sports franchise transactions, 2026 has already seen reported sales totaling $34.5 billion. Among these deals, the Los Angeles Lakers’ sale reached $12.5 billion, and the Seattle Seahawks’ transaction was valued at $9.6 billion. The Padres deal, valued at $3.9 billion, is just shy of the Angels' total, while the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx were sold for a combined $4.5 billion. These transactions have set a new record, surpassing the previous highs of $23.8 billion in 2025 and $21 billion in 2023.
As Kroenke prepares to add the Angels to his portfolio, fans of the team may find hope in his track record. Under his ownership, all his teams have secured at least one league championship, with the most recent being Arsenal’s triumph in the English Premier League in 2026. This history of success raises questions about whether the Angels will also find themselves in a position to compete for championships under Kroenke's stewardship.
In conclusion, Kroenke's acquisition of the Los Angeles Angels represents a monumental moment in sports ownership, further solidifying his status as a leading figure in the industry. As the sports landscape continues to evolve, the implications of this deal will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
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