The Athletics’ attempt to move their franchise to Las Vegas has faced various challenges, including fan protests, public funding acquisition, and unproductive ballpark renderings, according to the San Francisco Chronicle’s John Shea. MLB owners have reportedly expressed concerns about the move, particularly regarding the preferential treatment the A’s are receiving, such as the waiver of the relocation fee estimated at $300 million.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred stated that waiving the relocation fee is a realistic possibility given the circumstances, where the A’s are making a substantial private commitment and receiving public funding for the move.
Although the A’s have secured up to $380 million in public funds for a new stadium on The Strip, they still need approval from MLB owners to complete the relocation process. The move could result in the team receiving around $50 million from revenue sharing in 2024 and 2025 combined, as specified in the last collective bargaining agreement.
However, some MLB owners are unhappy with the revenue-sharing windfall for the A’s, especially considering the team’s recent history of selling off players in a series of fire sales. Despite the A’s ownership promising to field a competitive team in Las Vegas, the relocation’s success remains uncertain.
