The Los Angeles Angels have had a notable history, from their humble beginnings to their current status as perennial contenders in Major League Baseball. Founded in 1961 by Gene Autry, the team was originally named after the Los Angeles-based sports team from the California Leagues in 1892; Autry acquired the rights to the franchise from Walter O’Malley.
Over the years, the team underwent several name changes. They were known as the California Angels in 1964 and became the Anaheim Angels from 1997 to 2004 following their move to Anaheim. In 2005, the name was changed to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim under new owner Arturo “Arte” Moreno. However, since 2016, the team has been commonly referred to as the Los Angeles Angels.
Throughout their more than six decades, the Los Angeles Angels have seen many talented players come and go, with several achieving great things for the team and earning prestigious awards. Players like Don Baylor (1979), Vladimir Guerrero (2004), Mike Trout (2014, 2016, 2019), and Shohei Ohtani (2021) were honored with the Most Valuable Player award.
The Angels’ most significant milestone came in 2002 when they won their first World Series title, defying the preseason baseball odds, which had them 75-1 to win the 2002 title. Additionally, the Angels won American League Pennants and Wild Card Berths the same year. They have also claimed division championships in 1979, 1982, 1986, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2014.
Selling the Team?
Could the Los Angeles Angels still be up for sale? According to recent announcements from the team, Arte Moreno has reportedly backed away from selling the team. Still, some believe the current state of the economy has him rethinking his plans and that it’s only a matter of time before he seeks a buyer.
Several potential buyers are speculated to include owners of other sports teams. A notable name is Joe Lacob, owner of the Golden State Warriors, who has shown interest in acquiring the Angels, Dodgers, and Oakland Athletics over the past two decades. His successful stint with the Warriors, including four championships in eight years, could make him a strong contender.
Lacob, however, could face competition from Stan Kroenke, the Rams’ owner, who has previously bid for the Dodgers. Yet, several other potential buyers, including Steve Ballmer, owner of the Clippers, and Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks. Henry and Susan Samueli, owners of the nearby Anaheim Ducks, are reportedly not interested in acquiring the Angels.
The sale price of the Angels, estimated by Forbes to be worth $2.2 billion, will ultimately depend on what a potential buyer is willing to offer. The scarcity of major league sports teams in large markets like Los Angeles and the possibility of real estate development around the Angel Stadium could lead to a record sale price.
Arte Moreno’s early decision to sell the Angels comes after several events, including the cancellation of a $320-million deal for renovating the Angel Stadium and the absence of a clear successor within his family. His tenure has also seen a significant drop in attendance and the team’s ranking at the bottom of the minor league system.
Even if sold, the team will likely remain in Anaheim due to their lease, which runs until 2029, with options to extend until 2038. The stadium, currently owned by the city of Anaheim, will transfer to the new owner approved by Major League Baseball (MLB).
The future of prominent players like Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani is uncertain in the wake of this development. Trout is contracted to stay with the team, while Ohtani can leave after next season. With Ohtani expressing impatience over the team’s consistent losses, a new owner might need to sell him on a championship vision to persuade him to stay.