Moreno changes mind, opts not to sell Angels

Angels owner Arte Moreno has decided not to sell the team.

Moreno took his franchise off the market Monday after announcing his plan to explore a sale of the team in August. The 76-year-old owner met with prospective buyers during the winter.

“During this process, it became clear that we have unfinished business and feel we can make a positive impact on the team and fan experience,” Moreno said in a statement.

Moreno is an outdoor advertising mogul from Arizona who originally bought the Angels from the Walt Disney Company in 2003, shortly after the franchise won its only championship.

He immediately showed a willingness to spend money to attract big-name free agents to Orange County, and the Angels won five AL West titles during his first seven seasons of ownership.

The Angels’ fortunes have flagged mightily since an appearance in the ALCS in 2009. Despite a hefty payroll, the Halos haven’t won a playoff game in the last 13 years, making just one appearance in 2014 and getting swept.

Golf: The LIV Golf League’s team championship is moving from Trump National Doral in Miami to Saudi Arabia in November, ESPN reported. The $50 million team championship will be played at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in Jeddah on Nov. 3-5. LIV Golf is funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

NBA: The Lakers acquired former lottery pick Rui Hachimura from the Wizards in exchange for Kendrick Nunn and a package of second-round draft picks. Hachimura, 24, is averaging 13.0 points on 49% shooting. He was the No. 9 pick in the 2019 draft.

NHL: Senators center Josh Norris will undergo shoulder surgery and miss the rest of this season. Norris, 23, the team’s leading scorer last season, returned to the lineup Wednesday after missing 38 games with the injury.