The Oakland Athletics' journey has taken a significant turn, marking the end of an era for the team in Oakland and heralding a new chapter in Sacramento, and eventually, Las Vegas. With the expiration of their lease at the Oakland Coliseum post this season, the Athletics have declined a five-year extension offer, setting the stage for a series of moves that will transition the team to a new home by 2028.
Temporary Home in Sacramento
In an interesting twist of events, the Athletics will not be heading straight to Las Vegas. Instead, from 2025 to 2027, they will be playing their home games at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento. This decision comes as the team's management looks to preserve their local broadcasting income and maintain a presence within the region. Sutter Health Park, which was established in 2000 and boasts a capacity of approximately 14,000, is set to become the interim home for the Athletics. This move may potentially extend to a fourth year, depending on how the transition to Las Vegas unfolds.
The Athletics have opted to retain their name during their stay in Sacramento, a decision that underscores the team's long-term vision and identity, irrespective of their geographical location. The announcement follows a series of discussions with Sacramento city officials, signaling the quick progression towards this temporary arrangement. Notably, the most recent proposal put forth by Oakland included a three-year lease with a $60 million extension fee and required Major League Baseball's approval for an exclusive one-year deal intended for a future Oakland expansion team. However, the Athletics found a more feasible path forward in Sacramento.
A Farewell to Oakland
John Fisher, the franchise owner, addressed the decision, recognizing the impact it would have on the team's loyal fan base. "We explored several locations for a temporary home, including the Oakland Coliseum, and despite our long-standing relationship and earnest negotiations, an agreement proved elusive," Fisher stated. He acknowledged the disappointment this move would cause, especially given that the current season is the team's last in Oakland. Fisher also promised a series of events to honor and celebrate the team's history in Oakland before the transition.
According to Evan Drellich from The Athletic, Casey Pratt from ABC 7 Bay Area, and reports from the San Francisco Chronicle and ESPN, discussions between the team leaders and Sacramento city officials were quick to yield an agreement, while modified offers from Oakland immediately after those talks failed to retain the Athletics.
Preparing for the Move and the Future in Las Vegas
The journey to Las Vegas, however, is not without its hurdles. A legal challenge by the group Schools Over Stadiums is currently pending before the Nevada Supreme Court, with a decision expected on April 9. This has momentarily paused the Athletics' plans for constructing a new stadium in Las Vegas.
In the meantime, the dual hosting of the Oakland Athletics and the Sacramento River Cats at Sutter Health Park is expected to accommodate 156 games from late March to early October over the next three seasons. This arrangement reflects the Athletics' commitment to maintaining their presence in the area, while also navigating the logistical challenges of their eventual move. The organization is set to hire professionals from local sports teams, including the Kings and River Cats, to aid in this transition. Unfortunately, this may lead to job losses for some A's employees, highlighting the bittersweet nature of such significant changes.
The Athletics' decision to move to Sacramento, albeit temporarily, before heading to Las Vegas, encapsulates a period of transition not just for the team, but also for their fans and the cities involved. It's a reminder of the ever-evolving landscape of professional sports, where economic considerations, operational logistics, and the pursuit of new opportunities dictate the paths teams take. As the Athletics prepare to leave Oakland, a city that has been their home for decades, the promise of honoring their legacy there provides a measure of solace to fans grappling with the imminent change.