Angels May Lose ‘Los Angeles’ in Name Under New Bill

A California bill, AB 2512, would require the Los Angeles Angels to use the name “Anaheim Angels” in official documents and marketing materials if the City of Anaheim grants special legal treatment tied to Angel Stadium’s sale, lease, or redevelopment. The bil

When the Los Angeles Angels’ name slips into official paperwork, it could soon be “Anaheim Angels” instead.

A California lawmaker is pushing AB 2512. a bill that would force the team to revert to its former name under a specific condition: if the City of Anaheim grants special legal treatment for the sale. lease. or redevelopment of Angel Stadium. Under AB 2512, the team would have to use “Anaheim Angels” in official documents and marketing materials.

Assemblymember Avelino Valencia, who represents Anaheim, introduced the measure. The bill passed the Assembly unanimously and now moves to the state Senate.

Valencia said the team’s name should reflect its actual location. “Anaheim is a world-class city,” Valencia said, adding that the community deserves recognition for its long-standing support of the team.

The fight is not new. The bill revives a long-standing dispute tied to the Angels’ 2005 decision to change their name to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim—an effort to tap into the larger Los Angeles media market that faced local opposition.

That opposition has resurfaced in the years since. Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken instructed the city attorney to explore potential lease violations due to the name change. The Angels have also faced on-field and off-field trouble: they have not made the playoffs since 2014. a stadium deal failed. and there has been a federal corruption investigation involving former Mayor Harry Sidhu.

If AB 2512 clears the state Senate. its backers say the team’s return to the “Anaheim Angels” brand would reflect Anaheim’s pride and history with the franchise. The bill is also framed as a way to acknowledge Anaheim’s contributions and strengthen community ties. The Angels organization has not commented on the proposed legislation.

Los Angeles Angels Anaheim Angels Avelino Valencia AB 2512 Angel Stadium Anaheim Ashleigh Aitken Harry Sidhu California bill