Stan Kroenke, the billionaire owner of the Los Angeles Rams, has agreed to purchase a controlling interest in the Los Angeles Angels from Arte Moreno in a deal valued at approximately $4 billion. The transaction, which would mark a record for a Major League Baseball franchise sale, is expected to close in early 2027 subject to MLB approval.
The agreement ends Moreno’s 23-year tenure as the Angels’ controlling owner and adds a Major League Baseball franchise to Kroenke’s already extensive sports empire.
Los Angeles Angels Sold for $4 Billion — What We Know
Kroenke Sports & Entertainment confirmed the agreement on September 1, 2026, with the transaction expected to close in the first quarter of 2027. The reported $4 billion valuation exceeds the previous MLB record of $3.9 billion paid for the San Diego Padres earlier in 2026.
Key details of the transaction include:
- Buyer: Stan Kroenke / Kroenke Sports & Entertainment
- Seller: Arte Moreno / Moreno family
- Reported valuation: Approximately $4 billion
- Type of transaction: Controlling/majority interest
- Expected closing: First quarter of 2027
- Approval required: Major League Baseball (minimum 75% of owners must approve)
Moreno will retain a minority stake in the club following the transaction. The sale also includes the team-owned television and radio outlets, ABTV and AM 830.
Who Is Stan Kroenke?
Stan Kroenke, 79, is one of the most prominent sports owners in the United States and serves as chairman of Kroenke Sports & Entertainment. His sports portfolio is among the most extensive in professional sports:
| Team | League | Kroenke Connection | Recent Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Rams | NFL | Owner | Super Bowl LVI champion (2022) |
| Denver Nuggets | NBA | Owner | NBA champion (2023) |
| Colorado Avalanche | NHL | Owner | Stanley Cup champion (2001, 2022) |
| Arsenal | Premier League | Owner | Premier League champion (2025-26) |
| Colorado Rapids | MLS | Owner | MLS Cup champion |
Forbes estimates Kroenke’s net worth at approximately $24.3 billion as of August 2026. His wealth comes largely from real estate, extensive sports holdings, and his marriage to Ann Walton Kroenke, an heiress to the Walmart retail fortune.
Kroenke also led the financing and construction of SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, which serves as the home field for the Rams and has hosted major events including the 2026 World Cup.
Why Is Arte Moreno Selling the Angels?
Arte Moreno, 80, purchased the Angels from the Walt Disney Company in 2003 for approximately $184 million. The franchise initially experienced success under his ownership, winning five AL West titles in six seasons from 2004 to 2009 with much of the roster that won the 2002 World Series.
However, the Angels have endured a prolonged decline since their most recent playoff victory in 2009. They have made only one postseason appearance since 2010 (2014) and have not had a winning season since 2015. At 53-85, the team is headed toward its 11th consecutive losing season and its 12th consecutive non-playoff season, both the longest active streaks in the majors.
Multiple factors contributed to the team’s struggles under Moreno:
- Questionable personnel decisions: Moreno frequently inserted himself into baseball operations decisions, with expensive acquisitions producing disappointing results. Notable signings including Josh Hamilton, Albert Pujols, and Anthony Rendon yielded limited returns on significant financial commitments.
- Infrastructure issues: The franchise was criticized for skimping on resources, support staff, and player development infrastructure relative to other MLB teams.
- Wasted star talent: Despite employing Mike Trout and later Shohei Ohtani together for six seasons, the Angels never won a playoff game with either player.
Fan discontent intensified in recent seasons, with Angel Stadium crowds regularly chanting “Sell the team!” and holding protests, including viral “Tarps Off” demonstrations where supporters went shirtless and waved their shirts above their heads.
Moreno explored a potential sale in 2022 and took the team off the market in early 2023, but reportedly reconsidered as his children expressed no interest in continuing the family’s ownership of the franchise.
“The Moreno family has been honored to steward the Angels for 23 years, and we believe with KSE’s experience and success, they are the best next owner for the franchise,” Moreno said in a statement.
Why Is the Angels Sale Such a Big Deal?
The reported $4 billion transaction represents a record for a Major League Baseball franchise sale, exceeding the $3.9 billion paid for the San Diego Padres earlier in 2026. The sale occurs while MLB faces ongoing negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement, with some observers believing franchise valuations could be impacted by potential labor changes.
The deal also makes Kroenke the owner of major-league teams across all four major U.S. sports, a portfolio unmatched in professional sports ownership.
What Does the Sale Mean for Mike Trout?
Mike Trout, the three-time AL MVP who has spent his entire 16-year career with the Angels, expressed enthusiasm about the ownership change. “As soon as I got the word, I looked him up, and what a track record,” Trout said of Kroenke. “Wherever he buys, they win, so that’s a good sign. No doubt he’ll invest in the team, in the players. That’s all you can ask.”
Trout remains under contract through the 2030 season, with four years remaining after the 2026 season on the $426.5 million deal he signed with Moreno in 2019. He has repeatedly expressed his desire to remain with the Angels and win with the franchise.
What Happens Next With the Angels Sale?
The transaction will proceed through the following steps:
- Step 1: Definitive agreement announced (September 1, 2026)
- Step 2: MLB review of transaction and financial information
- Step 3: MLB ownership vote (requires at least 75% approval)
- Step 4: Transaction closing (expected first quarter 2027)
During the interim period, Moreno continues to serve as the controlling owner, and team operations continue as usual. Interim general manager John Mozeliak, who was hired in June 2026, has been leading a rebuild of the team’s front office and roster.
What About Angel Stadium?
The Angels’ stadium situation remains a complex issue that Kroenke will need to address. The franchise currently plays at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, with the city of Anaheim owning the ballpark and surrounding land.
The team’s current lease runs through December 31, 2032, with extension options that could keep the club at Angel Stadium through 2038. Future stadium and land-development strategy remains unresolved.
Kroenke’s experience with SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park in Inglewood has led to speculation about possible development opportunities at the Anaheim site, though no plans have been announced. The new owner has not yet met with Anaheim city officials or toured the stadium.
“What a track record,” Trout said of Kroenke. “Wherever he buys, they win, so that’s a good sign.”
Frequently Asked Questions
**1. Did the Los Angeles Angels sell for $4 billion?**
Yes, Stan Kroenke has agreed to purchase a controlling interest in the Los Angeles Angels at a reported $4 billion valuation, which would set a record for an MLB franchise sale.
2. Who bought the Los Angeles Angels?
Stan Kroenke, the billionaire owner of the Los Angeles Rams, has agreed to buy the Angels through his holding company, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment.
3. Who is the new owner of the Los Angeles Angels?
Stan Kroenke is set to become the new controlling owner once the transaction receives MLB approval and closes in early 2027.
4. How much are the Angels worth?
The Angels are being sold at a $4 billion valuation, though Forbes valued the franchise at $2.8 billion in March 2026 before the sale announcement.
5. Who is Stan Kroenke?
Stan Kroenke is a billionaire sports owner and chairman of Kroenke Sports & Entertainment. He owns the Los Angeles Rams, Arsenal, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, and Colorado Rapids, and has a net worth of approximately $24.3 billion.
6. Why is Arte Moreno selling the Angels?
Moreno is selling after 23 years of ownership following a prolonged period of decline, fan discontent, and his children reportedly not wanting to carry on in the baseball business.
7. When will Stan Kroenke officially own the Angels?
The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2027, subject to MLB approval.
8. Does MLB have to approve the Angels sale?
Yes, MLB approval is required. The transaction must receive approval from at least 75% of MLB owners.
9. Will Arte Moreno still own part of the Angels?
Yes, Moreno is expected to retain a minority stake in the club following the transaction.
10. Will Stan Kroenke build a new Angels stadium?
The stadium situation remains unresolved. The Angels’ current lease at Angel Stadium runs through 2032 with extension options through 2038. Kroenke has not announced any stadium plans.
11. What happens to Angel Stadium?
No decision has been announced. The stadium and surrounding land are owned by the city of Anaheim, and the team’s long-term plans remain under discussion.
12. What does the sale mean for Mike Trout?
Trout has expressed excitement about the new ownership and confirmed he intends to remain with the Angels, with four years remaining on his contract after 2026.