In a curious crossover of sports loyalties, the entire Colorado Avalanche roster made a splash Thursday night at SoFi Stadium, cheering on Stan Kroenke's Los Angeles Rams during their thriller against the San Francisco 49ers. The NHL champs, fresh off a playoff push, donned custom Rams jerseys emblazoned with their own numbers—think Nathan MacKinnon in blue and yellow, soaking in the electric atmosphere of the $5 billion venue. It was a clear nod to shared ownership, but one that didn't sit well with some Denver fans nursing Broncos grudges.
The Rams fell 26-23 in overtime, a gut-wrenching loss that highlighted SoFi's role as both a jewel and a pressure cooker for Kroenke's NFL ambitions. Indeed, the stadium, which hosted Super Bowl LVI back in 2022 where the Rams triumphed on home turf, continues to draw eyes—and now, hockey stars. Kroenke, the billionaire behind Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, juggles this LA powerhouse alongside the Avalanche, Denver Nuggets, and more. His empire, valued as the most lucrative in sports last year by some tallies, thrives on these cross-pollinations. Yet, moving the Rams from St. Louis in 2016 still stings for displaced fans, a shadow that lingers even as SoFi dazzles with its massive video board and luxury suites.
Avalanche players, spotted in a prime suite by broadcast cameras, seemed right at home amid the tailgate vibes and celebrity sightings. However, back in Colorado, social media buzzed with frustration—why root for the Rams when the Broncos share the same city pride? Kroenke's son Josh now helms the Denver operations, a setup born from NFL rules barring cross-market control. Still, events like this underscore the seamless, if sometimes awkward, weave of his franchises. The Avs, who clinched the Stanley Cup in 2022 under Kroenke's watch, have posted support for the Broncos before, but this LA detour felt like a bold pivot.
Moreover, with the 2028 Olympics looming—SoFi set to host swimming and ceremonies—Kroenke's vision keeps expanding, blending entertainment and athletics in ways that blur team lines. As these ownership threads tighten, one wonders how far such loyalties can stretch before they snap.