TEMPE, Arizona – The Los Angeles Angels are facing a period of fiscal constraint, with owner Arte Moreno citing a significant decline in television revenue as a primary driver behind a reduced payroll for the season. The team’s projected payroll stands at $180 million, a considerable drop from the estimated $206 million spent in , even accounting for deferred payments.
Moreno addressed reporters on , outlining the challenges stemming from the team’s evolving broadcast arrangements. The Angels are currently navigating a transition away from their previous deal with Main Street Sports Group, which recently emerged from bankruptcy proceedings. This shift has resulted in a substantial loss of revenue, forcing the organization to reassess its financial strategy.
“We’ll be on TV,” Moreno assured reporters, “But put it this way, it hasn’t been easy.” He explained that the revenue stream diminished when the Angels moved from Fox to Main Street/FanDuel, and anticipates further reductions. The team is now weighing its options, including potentially joining Major League Baseball’s centralized broadcasting model or pursuing the creation of its own regional sports network. A decision is expected “in the next five to seven days,” according to Moreno.
The situation mirrors a broader trend across Major League Baseball, where cord-cutting and changing media consumption habits are disrupting traditional revenue models. Several teams previously partnered with Main Street Sports have opted to have MLB handle their broadcasts, accepting a lower revenue share in exchange for stability and wider accessibility. MLB’s model provides a blackout-free streaming option for fans, but reportedly generates roughly 50% less revenue than previous broadcasting contracts.
Despite the financial headwinds, Moreno expressed confidence in the direction of the team, praising the work of General Manager Perry Minasian during the offseason. Minasian has focused on acquiring players with potential, including right-handed pitcher Grayson Rodríguez and outfielder Josh Lowe, while also taking calculated risks on players with one-year contracts such as right-handed pitcher Alek Manoah, Cuban third baseman Yoán Moncada, and relievers Kirby Yates, Jordan Romano, and Drew Pomeranz.
Moreno acknowledged that improvements are needed, particularly in achieving a winning record – something the Angels haven’t accomplished since . Minasian is entering the final year of his contract, adding further pressure to deliver positive results. The recent one-year contract extension for manager Kurt Suzuki reflects the organization’s desire for stability while evaluating the team’s performance.
“I like Perry a lot,” Moreno stated. “But at the end of the day, you’ve got to start winning and losing. It was a shame that [Ron] Washington got sick. We were a competitive team [with a 36-38 record]. But then we just kept losing games due to mental mistakes.”
Moreno believes the Angels can remain competitive, emphasizing the importance of continued development from younger players. He highlighted the positive impact of new pitching coach Mike Maddux and Minasian’s efforts to bolster the organization’s pitching depth. The team has invested in bullpen reinforcements, including Robert Stephenson and a healthy Ben Joyce.
“I think we can compete,” Moreno said. “We’re betting on a couple of pitchers we brought in, but some of our pitchers are a year older. [Robert] Stephenson makes a big difference in the back [of the bullpen], and [Ben] Joyce is back pitching and healthy, and we invested some money in the bullpen.”
The Angels owner, who will turn 80 this year, also indicated he has no immediate plans to sell the team or seek external investors, contrasting with the recent moves by the Minnesota Twins. He takes pride in maintaining a debt-free ownership since acquiring the club in .
“I love being an owner,” Moreno said. “But then age becomes part of it. But let’s just say: I’m not looking to sell.”
Beyond the on-field performance and broadcast negotiations, Moreno highlighted recent investments in Angel Stadium, including renovations to the Diamond Club seating and repaving of the parking lot. The city of Tempe has also approved significant improvements to the Tempe Diablo Stadium, the Angels’ spring training facility, with work potentially beginning after this spring or next.
Moreno added that the payroll is expected to increase once the television deal is finalized. He also noted that the organization’s agreement with the family of the late Tyler Skaggs does not impact the payroll. Currently, only Mike Trout’s contract extends beyond the season, but the Angels will soon face arbitration decisions with promising young players like Zach Neto, Logan O’Hoppe, Nolan Schanuel, and José Soriano. The team remains open to contract extensions where feasible, though none are currently imminent.
“We’re in a good situation, as we don’t have long-term contracts,” Moreno concluded. “Economically, we have a lot of flexibility.”
