Angels’ Ownership Change Sparks Discussion on Team’s Name

The Los Angeles Angels currently play at a venue owned by the city of Anaheim, but their name hasn’t included ‘Anaheim’ for a decade. This might change with the team’s new ownership.

Renaming the Angels

The issue of the team’s name is significant for those within Southern California. Some have criticized Arte Moreno, the current owner, for choosing to name the team after a city 25 miles from Anaheim. The Angels have played in Anaheim since 1966.

On September 1st, Moreno revealed an agreement to sell the franchise to Kroenke Sports & Entertainment. This change brings questions about the team’s future both on and off the field. If the team remains in Anaheim, the city may request the franchise to include ‘Anaheim’ in its name once more.

“I feel like it’s my birthday,” stated Anaheim mayor Ashleigh Aitken. As a lifelong Angels fan, she’s optimistic about the potential return of the name ‘Anaheim Angels’.

City Council member Natalie Rubalcava expressed similar sentiments, looking forward to a new era for the team.

Record-Breaking Sale

The reported $4 billion sale price of the Angels is set to break a recent record. The San Diego Padres sold for $3.9 billion just weeks ago. Moreno purchased the team for $183.5 million in 2023.

Anaheim hoped for greater municipal benefits from the name, disputing the ‘Los Angeles Angels’ name. A marketing expert highlighted a $26.5 million yearly revenue loss for Anaheim, totaling over $500 million in two decades.

History of the Angels’ Name

Disney first included Anaheim in the name after buying the franchise from Gene Autry in 1997. Decades earlier, Autry renamed the team from ‘Los Angeles’ to ‘California’ to appeal to a larger market. Currently, California remains neutral about the team’s name, while Anaheim seeks a change.

In April 2025, Mayor Aitken publicly appealed to the Angels to restore their ties with Anaheim, a move towards potentially reclaiming the name.

If Anaheim’s wishes prevail, one of Kroenke’s early decisions could be the Angels’ symbolic return to Anaheim, maintaining their existing location.

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