In a surprising move that marks the end of an era, the Oakland Athletics have unveiled plans to relocate to Las Vegas by 2028. This significant decision comes on the heels of the team's denial to extend their lease at the iconic Oakland Coliseum, a venue that has been their home since 1968. Before making the leap to Las Vegas, though, the Athletics will temporarily make their home at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, starting from the 2025 season through to at least 2027, with an option for a fourth year if necessary.
Transition to Sacramento
The decision to move to Sacramento in the interim period emerged after the Athletics and the city of Oakland could not come to terms on an extension for the Oakland Coliseum. Instead of accepting a proposed five-year lease extension, the team sought to maintain revenue streams, particularly their local broadcasting income, leading them to opt for Sacramento's Sutter Health Park as their temporary base.
In this transitional period, the Athletics will not alter their iconic name to reflect their temporary home, opting to retain their well-known moniker despite the change in location. This decision was solidified after team leaders held discussions with Sacramento city officials just last Wednesday, quickly reaching an agreement favorable to both parties.
Behind the Move
While the Athletics explored several potential venues for a temporary home, including a return to the Oakland Coliseum, disagreements over the terms of their stay led them to look elsewhere. The Oakland proposal included a three-year lease with an extension fee of $60 million, alongside a requirement for Major League Baseball to approve an exclusive one-year deal that would allow for a future expansion team in Oakland. However, these terms were not satisfactory to the Athletics, leading them to finalize their plans for Sacramento.
John Fisher, the franchise owner, expressed his awareness of the disappointment this move might bring to the Athletics' fanbase, especially considering the long history and sentiment attached to the Oakland Coliseum. "We've explored several locations for a temporary home, including the Oakland Coliseum. Despite our long-standing relationship and good intentions during negotiations, we found it impossible to reach an agreement," Fisher stated. He also mentioned plans to honor and celebrate the team's time in Oakland during the current season, promising to share more details soon.
Sutter Health Park Operations
Established in 2000, Sutter Health Park is equipped to host both the Athletics and the existing Sacramento River Cats over the next three seasons. Despite its smaller size, about 14,000 seats compared to the Oakland Coliseum's, the park is set to accommodate 156 games between late March and early October. This marks a significant increase in activity for the stadium, which will now cater to much larger audiences than it has in recent years, especially considering the A's current average attendance of fewer than 6,500 fans.
Future in Las Vegas
While the Athletics are committed to building a new stadium in Las Vegas, their path has been obstructed by legal hurdles. The Nevada Supreme Court is scheduled to consider an argument from a political group, Schools Over Stadiums, on April 9, potentially impacting the timeline for the new stadium's construction. In preparation for their eventual relocation, the Athletics have begun hiring professionals from local sports teams, including the Kings and River Cats, although this strategy may lead to job losses for some of the A's existing employees.
As reported by Evan Drellich of The Athletic, and further elaborated by the San Francisco Chronicle and ESPN, these developments have unfolded rapidly, with negotiations and plans changing the future of the Athletics significantly. Sports reporter Casey Pratt of ABC 7 Bay Area further highlighted the workforce changes and the broader implications of the A's move to Sacramento.
As the Athletics prepare to embark on this new chapter, fans, players, and officials alike will be watching closely, hopeful that this transition not only preserves but also enhances the rich legacy of the team in its new homes.