The Oakland Athletics have announced their decision to leave Oakland after this season and play temporarily at a minor league park near Sacramento until their new stadium in Las Vegas is constructed. The team will be based at the Sacramento River Cats' home from 2025-27, with an option for 2028, due to the inability to extend their lease in Oakland.
The move was revealed by team owners and local officials at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, where the A's will play for the next three seasons. The stadium, located near the historic Tower Bridge, boasts 10,624 fixed seats and a total capacity of 14,014 with lawn seating and standing room.
The decision to relocate to Sacramento was made after considering various locations, including the Oakland Coliseum. Despite efforts to reach an agreement with Oakland, the conditions proved challenging, leading to the move. The team's intention to move to Las Vegas was announced last April and was unanimously approved by MLB owners in November.
While the move disappointed many Oakland fans, it is seen as a positive development for Sacramento, with hopes of eventually hosting a permanent MLB team. The A's will be known simply as the Athletics or A's during their stay in Sacramento and will share the River Cats' stadium for the next three years.
The move is expected to bring new business to West Sacramento, with local officials expressing excitement about the city's potential as a sports destination. The stadium may require upgrades to host a major league team, and discussions between MLB and the players union are ongoing regarding the temporary relocation.
By remaining in Northern California, the A's aim to retain a significant portion of their local television rights. The departure of the A's will leave the Coliseum complex without any major sports teams, marking the end of an era that saw multiple championship-winning teams call Oakland home.
