Denver Nuggets owner Stan Kroenke is adding Major League Baseball to his portfolio, agreeing to buy the Los Angeles Angels. Kroenke Sports & Entertainment announced the deal on September 1, 2026, with the transaction expected to close in early 2027. This major business move comes as the Nuggets themselves are in strong form, having won their last five games including a 128-118 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on April 13, 2026.
What does this deal involve?
Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, the Denver-based group that owns the Nuggets, entered a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling interest in the Angels from the Moreno family. The deal is subject to MLB approval and standard closing conditions, with a target completion date in the first quarter of 2027. Stan Kroenke called the Angels "a storied franchise anchored in a great market" in the official announcement.
This marks Kroenke's first venture into Major League Baseball. It ends Arte Moreno's 23-year ownership of the Angels franchise. The team will join a Kroenke empire that already includes the NBA's Denver Nuggets, the NHL's Colorado Avalanche, the NFL's Los Angeles Rams, MLS's Colorado Rapids, and Premier League side Arsenal.
Why does this matter for the Denver Nuggets?
For Nuggets fans, this is another sign of the financial power and ambition of their ownership group. Kroenke became owner of the Nuggets, Avalanche, and their Denver arena back in 2000. That portfolio has delivered an incredible run of championships recently.
The Los Angeles Rams won Super Bowl LVI in February 2022. The Avalanche captured the Stanley Cup in June 2022. Then, the Denver Nuggets won the first NBA championship in franchise history in June 2023. KSE's Colorado Mammoth also won a National Lacrosse League title in that period.
Sports Business Journal reported in June 2026 that CNBC valued Kroenke Sports & Entertainment at $26.05 billion. They called it the most valuable multi-team sports ownership group globally. Forbes estimated Kroenke's personal net worth at $24.3 billion as of August 31, 2026. This financial stability is a significant asset for the Nuggets as they manage their roster and pursue more titles. You can track the team's progress in the [standings](/standings).
What is the state of the Angels franchise?
Kroenke and KSE are not only buying a trophy asset. They are inheriting a baseball team that needs a major rebuild. Arte Moreno bought the Angels in 2003, soon after the franchise won its only World Series. His early tenure saw success, with five American League West titles from 2004 to 2009.
The last decade has been much tougher. Despite having generational stars like Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani, the Angels failed to win another postseason game. They endured losing seasons from 2016 through 2026. The team had already clinched an 11th straight losing season before September 2026 began.
Interim general manager John Mozeliak has started a significant transition. He reshaped the farm system, traded parts of the major league roster, changed draft strategy, and restructured the front office. So the new owners have immediate baseball decisions to make.
What comes next for Kroenke and the Nuggets?
The immediate focus for Denver Nuggets fans remains on the court. The team's recent form shows a 5W-0D-0L record in their last five outings, a perfect winning run. Their last result was a solid 128-118 win against the San Antonio Spurs. Maintaining that momentum will be key as they look ahead in the NBA season.
For the ownership group, closing the Angels deal will be a primary business goal for early 2027. Adding the Angels gives Kroenke another prominent Southern California asset alongside the Rams. It further cements KSE's status as a global sports powerhouse. This diversified empire provides long-term security for all its teams, including the Nuggets. Fans can follow the Nuggets' upcoming schedule on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page.
The acquisition is a landmark moment in sports ownership. It blends the success of Denver's champions with the challenge of reviving an iconic MLB franchise in Anaheim.
