Magic Johnson, a minority owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, has publicly congratulated Stan Kroenke on his agreement to purchase the MLB's Los Angeles Angels from Arte Moreno. Johnson expressed optimism for the Angels' future under Kroenke's ownership, citing the businessman's track record with other professional sports teams.
"I want to congratulate my good friend Stan Kroenke on becoming the new owner of MLB’s Los Angeles Angels!" Johnson wrote on social media. "I’m sure he will do the same with the Angels."
Johnson highlighted Kroenke's success with championship-winning franchises, including the Los Angeles Rams (Super Bowl), the Colorado Avalanche (Stanley Cup), and the Denver Nuggets (NBA Championship). This endorsement comes from a figure closely associated with the Dodgers, the Angels' crosstown rival, which has seen significant success while the Angels have not reached the postseason in over a decade.
Mike Trout, a star player for the Angels, echoed Johnson's sentiment, calling Kroenke's track record "a good sign" and expressing excitement about fostering a winning culture in Anaheim. This perspective suggests a hopeful outlook among players regarding the change in ownership.
Beyond his sports insights, Johnson also shared a personal anecdote about his relationship with Kroenke, revealing that he and his wife, Cookie, rented Kroenke's 281-foot superyacht, Aquila, for seven years. While Johnson did not disclose the financial terms of this arrangement, he described the yacht as beautiful and capable of accommodating 12 guests with a crew of 28. Current charter listings for similar yachts indicate weekly rates around $945,000.
Johnson's commentary blends sports analysis with a personal touch, suggesting that Kroenke's ownership could bring a new era of success, not unlike the luxury associated with his superyacht, to the Angels franchise.