Oakland Athletics to Temporarily Relocate to West Sacramento in 2025: What’s Next for the A’s?

The Oakland Athletics made a shocking announcement on Thursday, revealing their plans to temporarily relocate to West Sacramento in 2025 before ultimately moving to Las Vegas. The team will play at Sutter Health Park for at least three seasons, marking the end of their 56-year tenure at the Coliseum.

The decision to move came after failed negotiations with the City of Oakland for a lease extension at the Coliseum. The A’s and the city were unable to reach an agreement, with the A’s offering $17 million for a two-year extension while the city demanded $97 million for a five-year extension. The A’s will now play at Sutter Health Park rent-free, with promises to upgrade various facilities at the stadium.

The move to Sacramento has raised concerns among players, with first baseman Ryan Noda highlighting the need for significant investments to make the field suitable for Major League play. The MLB Players’ Association is currently reviewing the situation and will need to approve the move.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the move, A’s owner John Fisher expressed excitement about the team’s future in Sacramento. The A’s will retain their name but will no longer include a city designation on their jerseys.

Meanwhile, the future of the Coliseum remains up in the air, with plans for redevelopment underway. The Oakland Roots and Soul soccer teams have been granted approval to play at the Coliseum, while negotiations continue for the sale of the A’s half of the property.

As the A’s prepare for their new chapter in Sacramento, questions remain about the team’s broadcasting rights and potential expansion in Oakland. With Las Vegas on the horizon as the team’s permanent home, the A’s face challenges both on and off the field as they navigate this significant transition in their franchise’s history.