The Los Angeles Angels have used that name since 2016, but California state legislation could result in that changing.
California Assembly member Avelino Valencia has brought the legislation forward, asking to revert the name of the MLB franchise to the Anaheim Angels as a requirement of any sale or new lease of the stadium property, according to the LA Times.
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The bill is named the “Home Run for Anaheim Act.”
Anaheim was dropped from the name after the team was previously called the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim from 2005 to 2015. The team was previously known as the Anaheim Angels from 1997 to 2004, including during its championship season in 2002.
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Ballpark vibes and wild celebrations a during 2026 MLB season
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Ballpark vibes and wild celebrations a during 2026 MLB season
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Ballpark vibes and wild celebrations a during 2026 MLB season
Miami Marlins shortstop Otto Lopez (6) and center fielder Jakob Marsee celebrate a victory against the Chicago White Sox at loanDepot Park on April 1, 2026.
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Ballpark vibes and wild celebrations a during 2026 MLB season
The Toronto Blue Jays’ Kazuma Okamoto gets doused with ice water by teammates after a win over the Athletics at Rogers Centre on March 29, 2026.
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Ballpark vibes and wild celebrations a during 2026 MLB season
The Cincinnati Reds’ Eugenio Suárez blows a bubble as he waits to bat against the Boston Red Sox at Great American Ball Park on March 28, 2026.
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Ballpark vibes and wild celebrations a during 2026 MLB season
The St. Louis Cardinals’ JJ Wetherholt is doused with water by teammates after hitting a walk-off two-run single against the Tampa Bay Rays during the 10th inning at Busch Stadium on March 28, 2026.
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Ballpark vibes and wild celebrations a during 2026 MLB season
Two F-35C planes from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron NINE Detachment Edwards Air Force Base perform a flyover before the Opening Day game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on March 26, 2026.
Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken has reportedly asked the city attorney to also explore the possibility that the MLB franchise may have violated its current lease by dropping the name from legal documents.
The team’s current stadium lease extends through 2032, according to Sports Business Journal. The Angels have the option to consider extending the lease through 2038.
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Arte Moreno bought the Angels from the Walt Disney Company for $183.5 million in 2003. Moreno considered selling the team in 2022 but decided the team was no longer for sale after having a change of heart in January 2023.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Angels could be required to add Anaheim to name due to state legislation