The Los Angeles Angels, a team playing in a stadium owned by the city of Anaheim, have not included ‘Anaheim’ in their name for a decade. This situation might change with a new owner.
Historical Name Changes
Arte Moreno, the current owner, faced criticism for renaming the team after a city 25 miles from its home field in 1966. Fans and city officials in Southern California often mocked this decision.
A recent agreement to sell the franchise to Kroenke Sports & Entertainment brings fresh possibilities and questions about the team’s direction. If the Angels stay in Anaheim, the city might want ‘Anaheim’ back in their name.
Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken expressed optimism to The Athletic, stating, “I feel like it’s my birthday.”
Response from City Officials
Anaheim City Council member Natalie Rubalcava shared enthusiasm, telling the Los Angeles Times she is “Excited to leave the controversy and negativity behind and look forward to a new era of Anaheim baseball.”
Financial Implications
The Angels’ sale price of $4 billion is set to establish a new MLB record, exceeding the $3.9 billion sale of the San Diego Padres in August. Arte Moreno initially bought the Angels for $183.5 million in 2023, marking a significant profit.
However, Anaheim’s municipal leaders lament that benefits from this sale haven’t significantly impacted the city. The city contended against Moreno years ago, suggesting a name change to ‘Los Angeles Angels’ would result in financial losses.
A marketing expert estimated Anaheim’s loss at $26.5 million annually, totaling $500 million over two decades.
Disney and Gene Autry
Disney first added ‘Anaheim’ to the team’s name after acquiring from Gene Autry in 1997. Previously, Autry changed the team’s name from ‘Los Angeles’ to ‘California’ for broader appeal.
Currently, California isn’t urging a name change, but Anaheim is. Mayor Aitken’s April 2025 letter aimed to mend ties with the Angels and encourage reverting back to ‘Anaheim.’
If the Angels are renamed, Kroenke’s initial task might involve effectively moving the team back to Anaheim without physical relocation.
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