Angels owner Arte Moreno "began considering the possibility of selling the team in recent months," but he "does not have a potential buyer lined up," according to a source cited by Valenzuela, DiGiovanna & Shaikin of the L.A. TIMES. Moreno "doesn’t have a succession plan," and none of his three adult children "have been involved in the running of the team or were interested in taking over" (L.A. TIMES, 8/24). USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale cites sources as saying that they "knew for months that Moreno planned to sell the franchise," but Moreno "wanted his intentions to be kept private until he retained a financial advisor, Galatioto Sports Partners, to begin soliciting offers" (USA TODAY, 8/24). In California, Jeff Fletcher writes although it is "possible the sale could be completed by the end of the year," these types of transactions "can take a year or two." Also, the Nationals are currently for sale, so MLB "might prefer to handle one sale at a time" (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 8/24).
SURPRISING TIMING: THE ATHLETIC's Sam Blum wrote it is "hard to know for certain why this move happened now," particularly with the Nationals also exploring a change in ownership. Notably, the Angels ballpark deal "fell through in May amid an FBI probe into the Anaheim mayor." The Angels also are "being sued for wrongful death in two separate lawsuits" by the family of late former Angels P Tyler Skaggs, who died from "ingesting fentanyl in the team hotel while on a road trip three years ago." Sports Value Consulting CEO Michael Rapkoch said that he would "have expected the Angels to wait until the Nationals were sold because a lot of potential buyers are already engaged with that process." He also speculated the process can "take around eight months to a year." Blum wrote factors such as "impending litigation or a failed stadium deal might impact the price." It will "all be part of the negotiation with prospective buyers." The valuation presented by media outlets "does not necessarily reflect the cost the Angels will command" (THEATHLETIC.com 8/23).
GAUGING POTENTIAL INTEREST: In L.A., Shaikin & Henson writes the most likely candidate to buy a sports team could "be someone who already owns one." Warriors co-owner Joe Lacob has "looked into" buying the Angels, Dodgers and A's at various times during the past two decades. Lacob said, "Can’t answer this question that fast. We look at good opportunities." Rams owner Stan Kroenke declined comment, while Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, who has looked into buying several MLB teams over the years, said that he is "not interested in pursuing the Angels." Both Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and Ducks owners Henry and Susan Samueli are "not believed to be interested in the Angels" (L.A. TIMES, 8/24).
First NFL sportsbook opens in AZ; MLB preps for on-field changes; Saudi Arabia eyes World Cup '30 bid
NFF’s Steve Hatchell on what’s next after amazing start to college football season With so much happening around college sports off the field, it seemed almost too much to hope that the opening weekend of football season would live up to expectations. “Finally, we got to cheer for our teams,” said Steve Hatchell, CEO of the National Football Foundation, in an SBJ Spotlight interview looking at the college football landscape. “There was some great attendance at games … some real excitement and just some terrific games. I’m hoping that this type of enthusiasm goes on for the entire year.” Hatchell talked with SBJ’s Ross Nethery about the big stories in college sports and what might come next. On the CFP expansion to 12 teams: “Football is played in all 50 states … and we work with all 774 colleges and universities around the country. So if we can have a playoff that reflects on the investment in coaching and on the players from around the country, I think that’s for the betterment of the game.”
With opening week quickly approaching, Ben Fischer, Reggie Walker, and Xavier Hunter were joined by Jabari Young of Forbes to preview the upcoming NFL season. Topics discussed included the Deshaun Watson suspension, Denver Broncos ownership, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, and the league’s advancements in media.
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