Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Angel Stadium on Wednesday night, coinciding with the reported $4 billion sale of the Los Angeles Angels to Stan Kroenke.
Dickerson, an ambassador for Kroenke's NFL team, the Los Angeles Rams, spoke with MLB.com before taking the mound and expressed optimism about the incoming ownership. "Kind of quiet but a really good businessman as you can tell. But Stan likes winning. I can tell you that right now. He likes winning," Dickerson stated.
Kroenke Sports & Entertainment has agreed to purchase a controlling stake in the baseball franchise. The deal is expected to be finalized in early 2027, pending approval from Major League Baseball. This transaction marks the end of Arte Moreno's 23-year tenure as the Angels' controlling owner. Moreno originally acquired the team from Disney for $184 million in 2003, shortly after the Angels' first World Series championship.
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Under Moreno's ownership, the Angels experienced initial success, including their 2002 World Series title. However, the team has faced significant struggles over the past decade, enduring 11 consecutive losing seasons. Their last postseason appearance was in 2014, and they have not won a playoff game since 2009.
Kroenke brings a history of success across multiple sports leagues. His ownership portfolio includes the Super Bowl-winning Los Angeles Rams in the NFL, the NBA champion Denver Nuggets, the Stanley Cup-winning Colorado Avalanche, and the Premier League champion Arsenal.
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The sale concludes years of fan dissatisfaction, with "sell the team" chants frequently heard at games. The sentiment shifted on Tuesday night, with many fans expressing relief and anticipation for a new era under Kroenke's leadership.