In a significant development in Major League Baseball (MLB), the Oakland Athletics, affectionately known as the A's, are slated to relocate to Las Vegas by the year 2028. This move signals the end of an era for the team in Oakland and marks the beginning of a new chapter in Nevada. However, before their anticipated move to Sin City, the team will call Sutter Health Park in Sacramento their home from 2025 to 2027—potentially extending to a fourth year depending on circumstances.
Transition to Sacramento
The decision to relocate to Sacramento in the interim comes as the Athletics' lease in Oakland is expected to expire after the current season. A proposed five-year extension for the Oakland Coliseum was turned down by the A's, steering the team towards Sacramento in pursuit of retaining their local broadcasting revenue. Despite the geographical move, the team has decided not to adopt a Sacramento-specific name, choosing to preserve their iconic nickname.
Last Wednesday marked a significant step in the relocation process as team leaders engaged with Sacramento city officials to discuss the move. A deal was quickly reached, exemplifying the Athletics' urgency and commitment to finding a new home after negotiations in Oakland did not culminate in an agreement. The city of Oakland's final proposal included a three-year lease and a $60 million extension fee, terms that evidently did not meet the A's future plans.
A New Home at Sutter Health Park
Sutter Health Park, established in 2000 and boasting a capacity of about 14,000, will soon welcome the Athletics alongside the Sacramento River Cats for three seasons. This development is set against the backdrop of the A's drawing an average crowd of less than 6,500 at their home games this season, a figure that Sutter Health Park hopes to bolster. Over these three seasons, the stadium is anticipated to host 156 games from late March through early October, providing a packed schedule of baseball action for fans in Sacramento.
The Legal Hurdle in Las Vegas
While preparations for the move are underway, the Athletics' plans to construct a new stadium in Las Vegas have encountered a legal challenge. A group under the banner of Schools Over Stadiums has lodged a case that the Nevada Supreme Court is set to review on April 9. This dispute adds a layer of uncertainty to the A's long-term relocation plans, although the team remains hopeful of overcoming this hurdle.
Impact on Employment and the Local Economy
The relocation to Sacramento, followed by the eventual move to Las Vegas, may have significant implications for the team's employees and the local communities. The Athletics are bringing on board professionals from existing local sports teams, such as the Kings and River Cats, to assist with the transition. Unfortunately, this reshuffling might lead to job losses for some current A's employees—a testament to the broader impacts of sports franchise relocations on individuals and local economies.
Acknowledgment of Disappointment
John Fisher, the franchise owner, has candidly expressed his awareness of the disappointment this move might bring to fans, especially considering the team's storied history in Oakland. "Despite our long-standing relationship and good intentions during our negotiations with Oakland, we found it impossible to reach an agreement," Fisher explained. He assured fans that the Athletics would honor and celebrate their tenure in Oakland with special events to mark the transition, details of which are to be announced.
Media Coverage
The relocation news has been broadly covered by the media, with insights offered by various sources. Evan Drellich of The Athletic, reporters from the San Francisco Chronicle, and ESPN have all provided substantial information regarding the negotiations and the eventual decision. Moreover, sports reporter Casey Pratt from ABC 7 Bay Area highlighted the workforce changes accompanying the A's move to Sacramento.
As the Oakland Athletics prepare for their new beginnings in Sacramento and eventually Las Vegas, the narrative of the team takes on a new direction, with implications for fans, employees, and the broader MLB landscape. While this move marks the end of an era, it also opens the door to new opportunities and challenges as the A's aim to build a future in their new homes.