Representatives of the Athletics’ ownership met with officials from Oakland and Alameda County on Tuesday to discuss the city’s latest offer to retain the team in the Coliseum until at least the 2027 season. However, the meeting did not result in a resolution, prompting the Athletics to schedule a meeting with Sacramento officials the following day to consider their proposal for the team’s temporary home for a minimum of three seasons starting next year.
The city of Oakland made what it deemed a fair and reasonable offer to the Athletics, according to a statement from the office of Mayor Sheng Thao. The city awaits the team’s response and is prepared to continue discussions as necessary.
The Athletics’ approach of simultaneously negotiating with both Oakland and Sacramento mirrors their previous “Parallel Paths” plan, which drew criticism. Now, the team is evaluating proposals from both Northern California cities, as well as Salt Lake City, for their temporary home.
Sacramento, led by Vivek Ranadive, owner of the Sacramento Kings and a friend of A’s owner John Fisher, sees an opportunity to establish itself as a major league city by providing a temporary home to the Athletics. Ranadive’s ownership of the Triple-A Sacramento RiverCats makes Sutter Health Park a potential shared venue for the A’s.
While the Athletics expect to move to a new ballpark in Las Vegas by the 2028 season, negotiations in Oakland are ongoing. The team expressed appreciation for Oakland’s efforts but noted significant differences in the terms required for an extension.
Regardless of the decision, any relocation will impact the revenue from the A’s regional television contract with NBC Sports Bay Area, which currently pays the team $67 million annually. Even a move within Northern California would necessitate renegotiation of the contract.
As part of Oakland’s proposal, the A’s are required to sell their 50% stake in the Coliseum property to a local developer, facilitating the city’s redevelopment plans. The team has indicated willingness to comply, with a $30 million payment deadline set for May 14 to finalize the purchase.
