Oakland Athletics to Relocate to Las Vegas by 2028
In a significant shift within Major League Baseball, the Oakland Athletics have announced plans to relocate to Las Vegas by 2028. This decision marks the end of an era and ushers in a new chapter for the franchise, its fans, and the cities of Oakland, Sacramento, and Las Vegas.
A Temporary Home in Sacramento
Before their anticipated move to Las Vegas, the Athletics will call Sutter Health Park in Sacramento their temporary home from 2025 to 2027, with a potential extension into a fourth year. The decision comes as their lease in Oakland is set to expire after the current season, and following a rejection by the A's of a five-year extension for the Oakland Coliseum.
The choice to transition to Sacramento, at least temporarily, was driven by the A's aim to preserve their local broadcasting income. Interestingly, the team has decided to retain the Athletics moniker, opting not to adopt a Sacramento-specific name despite their interim relocation.
Negotiations and Decisions
The relocation plan gained momentum last Wednesday when Athletics' team leaders met with Sacramento city officials. This meeting quickly led to an agreement, contrasting with the slightly more complicated negotiations in Oakland. The city of Oakland presented a deal to the Athletics that included a three-year lease and a $60 million extension fee. Additionally, Major League Baseball had to approve an exclusive one-year deal for a potential future expansion team in Oakland, which added layers to the decision-making process.
John Fisher, the franchise owner, acknowledged the complex nature of this transition and the impact it would have on their loyal fan base. "We understand this might be disappointing to our fans," Fisher stated, expressing empathy towards the devoted supporters who have backed the team through thick and thin.
Sutter Health Park: A New (Temporary) Arena
Established in 2000, Sutter Health Park, with its seating capacity of approximately 14,000, is set to host the Athletics alongside the Sacramento River Cats for the next three seasons. This ballpark is expected to manage 156 games from late March to early October, marking a significant logistical effort to accommodate both teams.
It is worth noting that the A's current home game attendance has averaged under 6,500 this season, raising questions and anticipation about how the move may affect turnout and team support during their Sacramento years.
The Future in Las Vegas
While Sacramento serves as a temporary host, the Athletics are concurrently working towards establishing a permanent home in Las Vegas. However, this venture has encountered a legal challenge with the Nevada Supreme Court set to consider arguments from a political group called Schools Over Stadiums on April 9. The group's name underscores the tension between funding priorities in the region, highlighting the complexities of bringing major league sports to new locales.
Team and Community Changes
As part of this move, the Athletics are recruiting professionals from local sports teams such as the Kings and River Cats, signifying a reshuffling that might lead to job losses among current A’s employees.
This transition represents a pivotal moment for the Athletics and their broad community of fans and supporters across Oakland, Sacramento, and soon, Las Vegas. The team's journey reflects wider trends in major league sports, where franchise relocations can reshape affiliations, economic landscapes, and the very heart of fanbases. As the Athletics embark on this new chapter, there is a profound sense of anticipation and, undoubtedly, nostalgia for the end of their time in Oakland, a city that has been the backdrop to so much of their storied history.
