• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Law

Angel Stadium Sale Fallout Could Change California Law

  • A deal struck by the city of Anaheim and Angels owner Arte Moreno didn’t result in a sale, but it may change California law.
  • A state senator has introduced a law that would expand the power of a regulatory agency.
Angel-Stadium
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

A deal to purchase land around the Anaheim Angels’ stadium collapsed under regulatory scrutiny and an FBI investigation — and now the saga may end up changing California law.

State Sen. Tom Umberg introduced legislation that would allow California’s Department of Housing and Community Development to block projects that violate the state’s Surplus Land Act, instead of only being able to levy fines.

  • In 2020, the city of Anaheim agreed to sell Angel Stadium and its surrounding parking lots to team owner Arte Moreno in a $320 million deal. Moreno agreed to develop housing and commerce in the area and keep the team in Anaheim through 2050.
  • In December, California Attorney General Rob Bonta deemed that the sale illegally circumvented a law that required the city to open the land for bidding, prioritizing affordable housing.
  • The city, faced with a choice to pay a $96 million fine or reopen the bidding, chose to end the sale.

The Anaheim Cabal

An FBI probe into the moneyed interests influencing city politics is ongoing.

“The FBI learned that the City of Anaheim was tightly controlled by a small cadre of individuals, including a member of the city’s Chamber of Commerce and mayor Harry Sidhu, FBI special agent Brian Adkins wrote in a May affidavit supporting a search warrant on Sidhu.

Sidhu resigned shortly thereafter on May 23.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Hosszu

World Aquatics Reaches $4.6 Million Settlement With Pro Swimmers

Meanwhile, the International Swimming League’s case heads to trial in January.
Sep 4, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Adoree' Jackson (8) tackles Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) during the third quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field.

Kalshi’s $27M NFL Opener Runs Into Tribal Challenge

California Tribes want Kalshi forced to implement geofencing.

Twins Sale Reversal Mirrors Troubling MLB Precedent

The MLB club’s situation resembles aborted sales of the Nationals and Angels.
Pam Bondi recognizes family and friends in attendance as she delivers opening remarks during a Senate Judiciary committee hearing on her nomination to be Attorney General of the United States on Jan. 15, 2025 in Washington, D.C.

DOJ Sues California Over Transgender Athlete Participation

The lawsuit claims the state is in violation of Title IX.

Featured Today

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
Jon Gruden

NFL Asks Nevada Supreme Court to Rehear Jon Gruden Case

The arbitration fight between Gruden and the league continues.
Nov 9, 2024; Avondale, Arizona, USA; 23XI Racing team owner Michael Jordan during qualifying for the Cup Series championship race at Phoenix Raceway.
September 4, 2025

Jordan Can’t Bar Charter Sales Because NASCAR Agreed Not to Sell Charters

The contentious antitrust suit is slated to go to trial this December.
Blue Jays
exclusive
September 5, 2025

MLBPA, DraftKings Agree to Settle NIL Suit

MLBPA said DraftKings and other sportsbooks improperly used players’ NIL.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
Feb 2, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue scratches his head after calling a time out as forward Kawhi Leonard (2) walks past in the first half against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena.
September 4, 2025

Kawhi Leonard’s Alleged ‘No Show’ Job Is Latest in Complex Clippers Relationship

Leonard’s high-profile 2019 recruitment continues to generate headlines years later.
Megan Romano
September 4, 2025

The $800 Million Enhanced Games Lawsuit Could Have Legs

Antitrust experts say the case could have some merit.
Oct 15, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; A view of the Fox Sports Southwest logo during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Rockets 123-104.
September 3, 2025

Fox, Hairstylist Settle Bombshell Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

Skip Bayless, Charlie Dixon, and Joy Taylor all denied claims of wrongdoing.
Michael Jordan
August 29, 2025

Texts From Michael Jordan, NASCAR Bosses Aired Out in Court: ‘I Have..

Jordan said he plans on “going down with fire” against NASCAR.