Potential Name Change for Los Angeles Angels

The Los Angeles Angels may soon face a significant change in their identity. The team, which plays at a venue owned by the city of Anaheim, hasn’t included ‘Anaheim’ in its name for ten years. However, a new owner might alter this situation.

Ownership Changes and Naming Controversy

On September 1, Arte Moreno announced the sale of the franchise to Kroenke Sports & Entertainment. Fans in Southern California often criticized Moreno’s decision to name the team after Los Angeles, which is 25 miles away from Anaheim, their home since 1966. The change could revitalize the connection between the city and the team, especially if Kroenke decides not to relocate to Los Angeles.

Local Reactions and Optimism

Anaheim mayor Ashleigh Aitken expressed her excitement, stating, “I feel like it’s my birthday.” She has been an avid Angels fan throughout her life and remains hopeful about the team’s future under new ownership. Similarly, Anaheim City Council member Natalie Rubalcava looks forward to leaving past controversies behind for a fresh era of Anaheim baseball.

Financial Implications

The Angels’ sale, valued at around $4 billion, marks a record-breaking transaction, overshadowing the recent $3.9 billion sale of the San Diego Padres. Although Moreno originally paid $183.5 million in 2023, the substantial return has not benefited Anaheim as much as city leaders had hoped.

Two decades ago, Anaheim initiated legal action against Moreno, concerned about the financial losses related to the team’s name change. Marketing experts estimate the city’s lost revenue at $26.5 million annually, totaling over $500 million across 20 years.

Historic Decisions and Municipal Pressure

When Disney acquired the Angels in 1997, they reinstated ‘Anaheim’ in the team’s name. Before that, Gene Autry shifted the team’s identity from ‘Los Angeles’ to ‘California’ to expand its appeal. Currently, Anaheim urges the Angels to revert their name back to represent the city, though California doesn’t exert any influence on the matter.

Mayor Aitken reached out via an open letter in April 2025, aiming to mend relations and encourage the name change. Should the Angels comply, Kroenke might move the team back to Anaheim in spirit by simply modifying its name.

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