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Over three months since Angels owner Arte Moreno announced he was exploring selling the team, at least one prominent potential bidder has publicly expressed interest in buying: Warriors owner Joe Lacob.
Speaking as a guest on The Athletic‘s Tim Kawakami’s podcast, The TK Show, Lacob spoke highly of the Angels as an opportunity, saying he’s always believed that the franchise “had great possibilities.” While not explicitly saying he was preparing to make a bid, he confirmed that a potential purchase is under consideration.
“They’ve drawn over 3 million fans, I think, 17 out of the last 20 years,” Lacob said. “We’re going to look at it. … It may be doable. So we’ll see.”
Moreno purchased the team from the Walt Disney Company in 2003, a year after the Angels won the franchise’s only World Series title. The first decade of his ownership saw great success, with the Angels making the playoffs five times in six seasons from 2004 to ’09, and reaching the ALCS twice.
The franchise has struggled since the beginning of 2010, though, with just one postseason appearance and zero playoff wins since then. The Angels finished 73-89 in ’22, marking their seventh consecutive season with a losing record.
Lacob is reportedly one of six parties considering a bid, according to Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times. Also in the mix are Los Angeles Times owner Patrick Shoon-Shiong and an unidentified Japanese partnership. Bidding is expected to start in February.
Lacob’s ownership partner with the Warriors, Peter Guber, also owns an ownership stake in the Dodgers and reigning MLS champions LAFC.
