Photo by Anelale Nájera on Unsplash
Oakland To Sell A’s Stadium as Team Relocates to Las Vegas
May 23, 2024
In a significant development marking the end of an era, the city of Oakland has agreed to sell its stake in the stadium that has been home to the Oakland Athletics since 1968. This move comes as the baseball team prepares to play its final season in Oakland before relocating to Las Vegas.
Despite these developments, the future of the stadium site remains partly in flux. John Fisher, owner of the Athletics, still controls the other half of the stadium site, which includes an indoor arena. His $85 million purchase from Alameda County is currently contested in court, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
The sale involves Oakland’s one-half share of the 155-acre stadium complex, which will be sold for a minimum of $105 million to the African American Sports & Entertainment Group (AASEG). This group has ambitious plans for the site, including residential and commercial developments. The proceeds from the sale are expected to help offset Oakland’s projected $292 million budget deficit over the next two fiscal years, potentially preventing layoffs and supporting other critical financial needs.
Mayor Sheng Thao emphasized the city’s commitment to fostering economic growth and investing in community benefits, affordable housing, and local jobs through this agreement. This sale represents a strategic effort to revitalize Oakland’s economy and address long-standing fiscal challenges.
The Athletics’ departure is the latest in a series of major sports teams leaving Oakland. The city has seen the Golden State Warriors move to San Francisco in 2019 and the Raiders relocate to Las Vegas in 2020. The A’s announced their decision to move to Las Vegas last year after failing to reach an agreement with Oakland on a proposed development that included a new waterfront stadium.
Meanwhile, AASEG has been proactive in its plans for the Oakland site. The group has been working with the United Soccer League’s Oakland Roots on a 10,000-seat stadium near the current complex. Additionally, AASEG has shown interest in bringing a WNBA franchise to the arena and has explored the possibility of securing an NFL expansion team.
As the A’s contract for the current venue expires at the end of the season, the team plans to play at a minor league field in West Sacramento until its new ballpark on the Las Vegas Strip is ready, which is anticipated to be in 2028.
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