One of the NBA’s most successful owners could expand his California sports empire.
On a recent podcast for The Athletic, Golden State Warriors majority owner Joe Lacob said that he and his group would “look at” buying the Los Angeles Angels, considering it “a huge market” and “part of that L.A. overall market.”
The Angels have been for sale since August, when owner Arte Moreno hired Galatioto Sports Partners to explore a sale of the franchise. The club could command at least $2.5 billion — which would be a record for an MLB team.
Galatioto is also handling the sale of the Ottawa Senators.
If he buys the Angels, Lacob will have to sort through a pile of troubles regarding Angel Stadium.
- In 2019, the city of Anaheim was set to sell it to Moreno for $320 million — but was derailed after allegations surfaced against former mayor Harry Sidhu, who ultimately resigned.
- The City Council later voted unanimously to terminate the sale.
- In October, the Angels threatened legal action against the city over a dispute concerning a planned fire station to be put in the stadium parking lot.
Lacob Looking
In July, Lacob also expressed interest in buying the Oakland Athletics, insisting he would keep them in the Bay Area.
After winning their fourth title under Lacob, the Warriors topped Forbes’ list of most valuable NBA franchises for the first time with a $7 billion valuation.
