Ownership Change Sparks Possible Name Revival for Angels

The Los Angeles Angels might soon get a name change, an adjustment that could rekindle their connection to Anaheim. The team plays in a venue owned by the city of Anaheim but hasn’t included ‘Anaheim’ in their name for a decade.

Team Changes Hands

On Tuesday, Sept. 1, a significant change in ownership occurred. Arte Moreno announced the sale of the franchise to Kroenke Sports & Entertainment. This development brings many questions for the new direction of the team, both on and off the field. If the new ownership decides to stay in Anaheim, the city will likely push for including ‘Anaheim’ in the team’s name to strengthen the city’s ties to the Angels.

Mayor Ashleigh Aitken expressed optimism about the change, saying, “I feel like it’s my birthday,” reflecting her lifelong passion for Angels baseball. City Council member Natalie Rubalcava echoed this sentiment, eager to move beyond past controversies and embrace a new era for the team.

Economic Implications

With the franchise’s reported sale price of $4 billion, approved, this breaks the previous record held by the San Diego Padres, sold for $3.9 billion. Despite a substantial payday for Arte Moreno, who acquired the team for $183.5 million in May 2023, Anaheim hopes for more local benefits.

A legal battle ensued when Moreno rebranded the team as the ‘Los Angeles Angels.’ Anaheim claimed the city would lose over $500 million due to this change. A marketing expert estimated an annual loss of $26.5 million in revenue. This financial tension underscores the city’s interest in reclaiming the name.

Disney’s initial move to include ‘Anaheim’ in 1997 was an effort to root the team locally. Gene Autry had previously adjusted the team’s name to ‘California’ to appeal to a broader market. Now, while the state refrains from pressuring the Angels to change their name, Anaheim remains keen on restoring the original name.

Future Possibilities

Mayor Aitken’s open letter to the Angels in April 2025 aimed to mend the city’s relationship with the team—a step towards a potential name alteration. Success in this endeavor could lead Kroenke’s new management to bring the team identity back to Anaheim.

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