Los Angeles Angels fans are celebrating the reported $4 billion sale of the team to Stan Kroenke's Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, an outcome many fans had vocally demanded for years. The sale brings an end to the ownership tenure of Arte Moreno, which had become a source of widespread frustration within the fan base.
Years of Frustration Culminate in Sale
Much of the summer saw fans engaging in protests, including the viral "Tarps Off" movement and chants of "Sell the team!" at Angel Stadium. These demonstrations reflected a deep-seated desire for new ownership, fueled by the team's lack of postseason appearances since 2014, despite having stars like Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani. The frustration extended to a reluctance by some fans to spend money on tickets or merchandise under Moreno's stewardship.
Fan Reaction to the Sale
News of the sale prompted an immediate and jubilant reaction from fans on social media and online forums. Phrases like "Free at last," "We survived the Moreno regime," and "Omg, we’re free!" filled fan discussions. Many expressed relief and anticipation, with some stating they could now openly support and spend on the team again. Videos circulated showing fans celebrating the news with emotional reactions, tying the sale back to the sustained fan activism.
![Fans go "Tarps Off" during the game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Cleveland Guardians at Angel Stadium]( "Fans go "Tarps Off" during the game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Cleveland Guardians at Angel Stadium")
New Ownership and Future Questions
The reported $4 billion sale price sets a new MLB record, surpassing the previous mark set by the San Diego Padres. Stan Kroenke's ownership group, already known for relocating the Rams NFL team from St. Louis, brings a new dynamic to the franchise. While fans are celebrating the departure of Moreno, Kroenke's history has prompted some discussion about the team's long-term future in Anaheim and potential changes to the team's name, harkening back to the "Anaheim Angels" or "California Angels" era.
Despite these upcoming discussions, the immediate sentiment among Angels fans is one of profound relief and celebration, having achieved their long-standing goal of a change in team ownership.
