Kroenke Inherits Uncertain Angels TV Network, Stadium Fight
The incoming owner is also inheriting the recently rebranded RSN.
Stan Kroenke is set to acquire the MLB Angels club and its regional sports network ABTV as part of a $4 billion deal. ABTV, previously known as FanDuel Sports Network West, is currently in a transitional phase due to the loss of revenue from cord-cutting and cord-nevers. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has been pushing for greater nationalization of local media rights, and MLB management is proposing to pool and split all local media rights evenly among the 30 teams, which is opposed by the players due to a salary cap.
Kroenke is also acquiring KLAA-AM, the Angels' radio broadcaster. The upcoming ownership transition is seen as necessary by Angels legend and future Hall of Famer Mike Trout, who hopes it will help bring back a winning culture. The deal also includes the potential redevelopment of Angel Stadium, which has become outdated and surrounded by surface parking.
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