California Bill Could Force Angels to Add 'Anaheim' to Team Name

Proposed legislation aims to require the MLB franchise to revert to the 'Anaheim Angels' name.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 2:04am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball game, with sharp planes of navy, green, and orange overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract composition.A cubist interpretation of the ongoing battle over the Los Angeles Angels' team name and its connection to the city of Anaheim.Los Angeles Today

A new California state bill, known as the 'Home Run for Anaheim Act,' could force the Los Angeles Angels baseball team to add 'Anaheim' back to their name as a requirement for any sale or new stadium lease. The team previously used the 'Anaheim Angels' name from 1997 to 2004 before dropping the city name in 2005.

Why it matters

The name change is seen as an effort to maintain Anaheim's connection to the team and its history, as well as potentially boost the city's profile and revenue from the franchise. The Angels' current stadium lease runs through 2032, with an option to extend to 2038, so this legislation could have long-term implications for the team's branding and relationship with the city.

The details

California Assembly member Avelino Valencia has introduced the 'Home Run for Anaheim Act,' which would require the MLB franchise to revert to the 'Anaheim Angels' name as part of any sale or new stadium lease agreement. Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken has also asked the city attorney to explore whether the team violated its current lease by dropping the city name from its legal documents.

  • The Los Angeles Angels have used their current name since 2016.
  • The team was previously known as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim from 2005 to 2015.
  • Prior to that, the franchise was called the Anaheim Angels from 1997 to 2004, including during their championship season in 2002.

The players

Avelino Valencia

A California Assembly member who has introduced the 'Home Run for Anaheim Act' legislation.

Ashleigh Aitken

The mayor of Anaheim, who has asked the city attorney to explore whether the Angels violated their current stadium lease by dropping the city name.

Arte Moreno

The owner of the Los Angeles Angels, who bought the team from the Walt Disney Company for $183.5 million in 2003.

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What’s next

The California state legislature will consider the 'Home Run for Anaheim Act' in the coming months, and the outcome could determine whether the Los Angeles Angels will be required to add 'Anaheim' back to their name.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation highlights the ongoing tension between professional sports franchises and the cities that host them, as teams seek to maximize their brand and revenue potential while also maintaining connections to their local communities. The Angels' name change saga reflects the complex dynamics at play as cities try to preserve their identities and leverage the economic benefits of having a major league team.