Angels’ Name-Change Dispute with Anaheim Intensifies
The Los Angeles Angels are once again embroiled in a legal battle with the city of Anaheim over the team’s name, a dispute stemming from a complex series of events dating back to the team’s move to Anaheim and a subsequent rebranding effort. The city is seeking to enforce a requirement that the team include “Anaheim” in its official name, potentially forcing a change from the current “Los Angeles Angels.”
A History of Name Changes and Legal Battles
The Angels began as the Los Angeles Angels before relocating to Anaheim in 1966. In 2005, then-owner Arte Moreno sought to rebrand the team as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, aiming to broaden the team’s appeal to the larger Los Angeles media market. The city of Anaheim sued, arguing the change violated a lease agreement. While Anaheim initially lost the case, the judge stipulated that the city would prevail if the team completely dropped “Anaheim” from its name.1 The Angels later removed “of Anaheim,” setting the stage for the current conflict.
Renewed Legal and Legislative Challenges
According to a report from the Los Angeles Times, the city of Anaheim is now actively pursuing legal and legislative avenues to compel the Angels to reinstate “Anaheim” in their name.1 State legislation has been introduced that would require any future lease agreements or team sales to include the “Anaheim” designation. The city is also revisiting the original court rulings and lease agreements, arguing that the Angels’ actions constitute a violation of those terms.
Potential Outcomes and Implications
The outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for the Angels. If the city succeeds in its legal challenge, the team could be forced to change its name back to the Anaheim Angels. A judge could issue an injunction requiring an immediate name change. However, the Angels’ current lease does not expire until 2032, suggesting a long-term legal battle unless owner Arte Moreno decides to sell the team.2
Moreno’s Ownership and Recent Performance
Arte Moreno became the first Mexican-American to own a major sports team in the United States when he purchased the Anaheim Angels in 2003.1 However, his tenure has been marked by a prolonged period of on-field struggles. The Angels have not reached the playoffs since 2014 and have endured ten consecutive losing seasons, finishing last in the AL West in 2025 with a 72-90 record.2 Moreno briefly considered selling the team in 2022 but ultimately decided against it.1
As the Angels prepare for the 2026 season, the team faces challenges both on and off the field, with the name dispute adding another layer of complexity to an already difficult situation.