SPORTS
Oakland Athletics Announce Temporary Move To San Francisco Ahead Of Las Vegas Relocation
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The Athletics on Thursday announced they will leave Oakland after this season and play at a minor league ballpark near Sacramento for the 2025–2027 Major League Baseball seasons before their planned move to Las Vegas in 2028.
The Athletics reached a deal with the Sacramento Kings, majority owner of the Sacramento River Cats, to play at Sutter Health Park for the 2025 through 2027 seasons, with an option for 2028 depending on how construction on their new stadium in Las Vegas progresses.
The move comes after the team was unable to reach a deal to extend their lease at their current home, the Oakland Coliseum.
“We explored several locations for a temporary home, including the Oakland Coliseum. Even with the long-standing relationship and good intentions on all sides in the negotiations with Oakland, the conditions to achieve an agreement seemed out of reach, As Owner and Managing Partner John Fisher said in a statement.
We understand the disappointment this news brings to our fans, as this season marks our final one in Oakland. Throughout this season, we will honor and celebrate our time in Oakland, and will share additional details soon, Fisher said. We extend our appreciation to the Kings and the City of West Sacramento, and look forward to making Sutter Health Park our home until our new ballpark opens in Las Vegas.”
The River Cats will still play at Sutter Health Park, sharing the stadium with the A’s.
“Im thrilled to welcome the As to Sutter Health Park, where players and fans alike can enjoy a world-class baseball experience and create unforgettable memories,” said Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé, who also owns the minor league River Cats. “Today marks the next chapter of professional sports in Sacramento. The passion of our fans is second to none, and this is an incredible opportunity to showcase one of the most dynamic and vibrant markets in the country.”
MLB owners unanimously approved the A’s application to move to Las Vegas in November, after Nevada approved $380 million in public financing for a new stadium to be built at the Tropicana hotel site on the Las Vegas Strip. The hotel closed on Tuesday, just ahead of its 67th anniversary, to make way for the new stadium.
TMX contributed to this article.
