Angels Owner Prioritizes Affordability Over Winning
Arte Moreno, the owner of the Angels, has expressed that fans are primarily interested in affordability when it comes to attending games, rather than the team’s performance on the field. This perspective hasn’t sat well with the MLB Players Association.
During a recent interview, Moreno mentioned, “What fans want most is affordability,” elaborating that winning doesn’t even rank among their top five concerns.
He pointed to some internal research conducted by the team but didn’t share specific findings. Bruce Meyer, the new president of the players’ union, confirmed that players have noticed this sentiment as well. “The players noticed it,” he stated on Sunday, “and we noticed it, too.”
Meyer further emphasized the competitive nature of players, who are driven to win. He conveyed that they want to see owners demonstrate the same level of commitment. “These players are competitors. They want to win every game,” he said.
Moreno reiterated fans’ concerns, saying they desire affordable, safe experiences at the ballpark. He noted, “Moms” are particularly focused on finding budget-friendly activities for their children. “The mother makes about 80 percent of the decisions,” he added.
Currently, the Angels have reduced payroll expenses to around $155 million, which includes deferred payments to injured player Anthony Rendon.
The team, along with several others, is managing the effects of losing local television coverage after a split from FanDuel Sports Networks’ owner. While some franchises have teamed up with MLB media for broadcasts, the Angels are still deciding their next steps.
Moreno pointed out, “We just have to get better at television and improve our brand,” implying a need for strategic changes in their approach.
But Meyer seemed to think the issue is deeper than that. He suggested some teams, especially in major markets like Los Angeles, might not be investing as much as they could. “If the surgery isn’t successful in Los Angeles, it’s hard to understand what’s going wrong,” he remarked. He found it surprising that winning isn’t prioritized higher, indicating a need for a shift in thinking.
