Oakland Athletics to Relocate to Las Vegas by 2028, Transforming MLB Landscape

The Oakland Athletics are set to relocate to Las Vegas, marking a significant shift in Major League Baseball's landscape. This move follows the Las Vegas Stadium Authority's approval of key agreements in December 2024, including lease, non-relocation, development, and community benefits agreements, facilitating the construction of a $1.75 billion stadium on the Las Vegas Strip.

The planned 33,000-seat, fixed-roof ballpark will be situated on the former Tropicana Las Vegas site. Construction is scheduled to begin in April 2025, with completion targeted for January 2028, in time for the 2028 MLB season. The stadium's design includes innovative features such as under-seat cooling systems and a split lower bowl to enhance the fan experience.

The project's financing combines private and public funds. Team owner John Fisher has committed $1.1 billion, supplemented by a $300 million loan from U.S. Bank and Goldman Sachs. Nevada and Clark County are providing up to $380 million in public funding. The cost of the stadium increased by $250 million due to inflation and added amenities. Fisher is also seeking local investors to purchase equity in the team, aiming to strengthen community ties.

During the stadium's construction, the Athletics will play their home games at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, from 2025 to 2027. This minor league ballpark is home to the Sacramento River Cats. The team plans to honor its time in Oakland throughout the final season at the Oakland Coliseum in 2024.

The use of public funds for the stadium has faced opposition. In February 2024, the Nevada teachers' group "Strong Public Schools Nevada," supported by the Nevada State Education Association, filed a lawsuit to prevent the state from allocating taxpayer money for the stadium's construction. The group argued that public funds should prioritize education, highlighting Nevada's low national rankings in class sizes and educator vacancies. In July 2024, the Nevada Supreme Court rejected a proposed ballot initiative that aimed to allow voters to decide on repealing the approved public funding for the stadium. The court ruled that the initiative's summary was misleading and did not adequately inform voters about the complex legislation.

The Athletics' relocation contributes to Las Vegas's emergence as a major sports hub. The city is already home to the NFL's Raiders, who relocated from Oakland in 2020, the NHL's Golden Knights, and the WNBA's Aces. The addition of an MLB team further solidifies Las Vegas's status in the professional sports landscape.

This development marks a significant milestone in Las Vegas's emergence as a major sports hub, adding to its roster of professional teams.