Stan Kroenke is stepping into a significant challenge as he takes over the Los Angeles Angels, both on and off the field, following his landmark $4 billion acquisition of the Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise. A crucial aspect of this transition involves revitalizing Angels Broadcast Television (ABTV), the regional sports network that is part of the deal.
Along with the team, Kroenke will also be inheriting ABTV from outgoing owner Arte Moreno. The network is currently navigating a transitional phase, having recently severed ties with the Main Street Sports Group, which had held a 50% stake in the FanDuel Sports Network West. This change occurred in early February, and shortly thereafter, Moreno bought out the company’s interest, leading to a rebranding of the network from FanDuel to ABTV in May.
ABTV faces an uncertain future as the regional sports media landscape grapples with the ongoing trends of cord-cutting and declining viewership. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has been advocating for a more unified approach to local media rights across the league, suggesting that teams pool and share these rights evenly, a proposal that has met resistance from the MLB Players Association due to concerns over a salary cap.
In addition to airing Angels games, ABTV also broadcasts NHL's Los Angeles Kings and has distribution agreements with major providers in Southern California, including Spectrum, DirecTV, and Cox. The Angels' broadcasts feature a well-regarded on-air team, including Wayne Randazzo, Mark Gubicza, and Erica Weston. Kroenke's acquisition also includes KLAA-AM, the team's radio station, raising questions about whether the radio announcers, Mark Langston and Terry Smith, will resume traveling to cover road games, a practice that has been disrupted since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kroenke is known for his tough negotiating skills in the broadcasting arena, as evidenced by a lengthy dispute involving Altitude Sports & Entertainment, which broadcasts the NBA's Denver Nuggets and NHL's Colorado Avalanche. This dispute kept the network off Comcast for over five years until a new agreement was reached last year.
Beyond media concerns, the Angels' home, Angel Stadium, is set for substantial changes following Kroenke's acquisition, which is expected to close early next year. Moreno had previously attempted to purchase the publicly owned stadium as part of an ambitious development plan that ultimately fell through amid a corruption investigation involving former Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu.
Current Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken expressed optimism about the future, stating, "I feel like it’s my birthday." She hopes that Kroenke will collaborate with the city on a development plan that could include youth sports fields, housing, and hotel projects, transforming the area into a vibrant community hub.
Angel Stadium, the fourth-oldest ballpark in MLB, has not seen the same level of modernization as other historic venues like Fenway Park and Wrigley Field. Kroenke's experience in developing SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, and his ongoing mixed-use project in Woodland Hills could bode well for the future of Angel Stadium.
Angels superstar Mike Trout, a likely future Hall of Famer, welcomed the ownership change, stating it was "needed" for the franchise. Trout, who has spent his entire career with the Angels, has seen the team struggle, with the franchise set to record its 11th consecutive losing season in 2026 and failing to reach the postseason since 2014.
"Seeing the reaction from the fans and some of the guys and just the whole vibe, I think it was needed for a fresh start," Trout remarked. He emphasized the importance of restoring a winning culture within the organization. After hearing about the sale, Trout reached out to a player from Kroenke's Rams for insight on the owner, receiving a favorable review. Kroenke's track record of success across his sports franchises, including recent championships, has raised hopes among Angels fans for a brighter future.
Leave a Comment