Southern California sports franchises change ownership amid record valuations
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 2, 2026, 12:00 PM
Last updated Sep 2, 2026
Three Southern California professional sports franchises have recently transitioned to new ownership groups as team valuations reach record levels. Stan Kroenke has entered an agreement to acquire the Los Angeles Angels from Arte Moreno in a deal valued at $4 billion. This follows the sale of the San Diego Padres to José E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones for $3.9 billion. Additionally, Josh Kushner and Bob Iger have moved to purchase controlling interest in the Los Angeles Lakers from Mark Walter in a transaction valued at $12 billion. These sales reflect a broader trend of institutional investors and private equity firms entering the sports market. Analysts point to the scarcity and consistent value of live sports broadcasting rights as a primary driver for these rising sale prices across the industry.
- •Stan Kroenke agreed to buy the Los Angeles Angels for $4 billion.
- •The Los Angeles Lakers sale to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger reached a record $12 billion valuation.
- •The San Diego Padres were sold to José E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones for $3.9 billion.
- •NBA and NFL rules now permit institutional or private equity investors to hold stakes in franchises.
- •Rising valuation trends are driven largely by guaranteed revenue from long-term national and local television rights.
- 12:00 PMYahoo Sports — Why SoCal’s sports teams are becoming billionaire trading cards
"The Lakers, Angels and Padres have changed hands at record valuations over the last month, revealing why sports franchises have become billion-dollar investments — and what it means for fans.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NBA•Oct 21, 2026, 6:17 PMLuka Doncic ushers in new Lakers era: 'We start our run for a championship'
NBA•Oct 21, 2026, 5:56 PM“I think with the Bron situation it was a little …
NBA•Oct 21, 2026, 5:37 PMLeBron James Spars with Knicks Fans Before Scoring First Win with the 76ers- NBA•Oct 21, 2026, 5:33 PMLuka Doncic reveals where he wants to finish his NBA career
NBA•Oct 21, 2026, 4:48 PM"We have a special team," Dončić wrote. "We know what …- NBA•Oct 21, 2026, 4:48 PM"From the moment I arrived in LA, you welcomed me with …
