Oakland Athletics Relocation to Las Vegas and Temporary Stay in Sacramento
The Oakland Athletics, a team with a storied past and deep roots in Major League Baseball (MLB), are set to make a significant move by relocating to Las Vegas by the year 2028. This pivotal transition not only marks a new chapter for the franchise but also signifies a considerable shift in the landscape of professional baseball. Before the team can settle into their new home in Las Vegas, they will temporarily take up residence at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento. The Athletics are expected to play their home games at this venue from 2025 to 2027, with a potential extension for a fourth year under consideration.
### Transition to Sacramento
In a surprising turn of events, after the conclusion of this season, the Athletics will no longer play their home games at the Oakland Coliseum. The team's management declined a five-year lease extension offered by the city, instead opting for a temporary shift to Sacramento. This move is strategically aimed at preserving the team's local broadcasting revenue—a critical component of their financial model. Despite the relocation, the Athletics have made a clear decision to retain their iconic name and will not adopt a Sacramento-specific moniker.
This relocation strategy came to light following discussions with city officials from Sacramento last Wednesday. The decision was relatively swift, especially considering the more drawn-out negotiations with the city of Oakland. Oakland's last proposal to the Athletics included a three-year lease extension with a notable $60 million extension fee. However, it was the provisions required by Major League Baseball, specifically an exclusive one-year deal for a potential expansion team in Oakland, that further complicated matters.
### The Impact of Relocation
The relocation of the Athletics to Sacramento, even temporarily, is not without its challenges and repercussions. John Fisher, the franchise owner, acknowledged the disappointment this move could instill in their dedicated fan base. Sutter Health Park, which will serve as the Athletics' temporary home, was established in 2000 and boasts a capacity of approximately 14,000 seats. Interestingly, this capacity exceeds the current season's average home game attendance for the Athletics, which stands at less than 6,500 fans.
One of the logistical hurdles of this relocation is managing the shared use of Sutter Health Park with the Sacramento River Cats, the minor league team that currently calls the stadium home. The park is slated to host a total of 156 games between the Athletics and the River Cats from late March through early October for the duration of the Athletics' stay in Sacramento.
### Legal Challenges in Las Vegas
While the Athletics are forging ahead with their plans to establish a new stadium in Las Vegas, they have encountered a significant legal obstacle. A political group known as Schools Over Stadiums has raised concerns, leading to a case that the Nevada Supreme Court is set to review on April 9. This legal challenge underscores the complexities of building new sports facilities and the need for careful consideration of community priorities and resources.
### Staffing Considerations
The move to Sacramento and the eventual relocation to Las Vegas will unavoidably impact the Athletics' workforce. The franchise is actively hiring professionals from other local sports teams, including the Sacramento Kings and the River Cats. This strategic alignment may result in job losses for some current employees of the Athletics, underscoring the broader implications of the team's transition on individuals and families connected to the organization.
### Media Coverage and Reporting
The details surrounding the Athletics' move have been meticulously documented by reputable sources within the sports journalism community. Evan Drellich of The Athletic, the San Francisco Chronicle, and ESPN have provided insightful reporting on the discussions between team leaders and city officials. These accounts offer a comprehensive perspective on the negotiations that preceded the decision to relocate. Further commentary from John Fisher and sports reporters like Casey Pratt from ABC 7 Bay Area has added depth to the public understanding of this significant shift for the Athletics.
As the Oakland Athletics prepare to embark on this new journey, the broader implications of their relocation will continue to unfold. From the logistical challenges presented by sharing a stadium to the legal battles over a new facility in Las Vegas, the Athletics' move is a multifaceted development that will be closely watched by fans, city officials, and baseball enthusiasts alike.
