MLB Reports: Oakland Athletics 10% Game Request Puts Las Vegas Move Into Jeopardy

It seems the relocation plan of the Oakland Athletics to Las Vegas isn’t completely on track. The Oakland A’s have requested to play eight games away from the $1.5 billion Las Vegas ballpark—that counts at least 10% of their home games on neutral venues. It’s double the number of “neutral home games” compared to what the other MLB franchises have agreed to play in their non-relocation agreements.

The Las Vegas stadium is planned for the relocation of the Oakland Athletics in 2028 and will be built on 9 acres of land. A’s move to play eight home games away can significantly impact the financial projections, resulting in an undercut from last year. The previous year, the Athletics attempted to find $380 million in public financing.

Oakland Athletics and Las Vegas stadium saga

The Las Vegas Stadium Authority Board is expected to vote on the 37-page non-relocation agreement of the Athletics at the July 18 meeting. Steve Hill, CEO of the Las Vegas convention, wants the A’s to reduce the number of home games they have planned to play away from Las Vegas. In an interview, he said,” If you eliminate 10 percent of the games that will be played at the stadium. Chances are you’re going to eliminate about 10 percent of that bonding capacity,”

What can be the reason behind the A’s asking for relocation of their home games? Well, A’s President David Kaval has shared insights. He reckons playing eight games outside the Las Vegas stadium is a good way to build the team’s brand, attract players, and sponsors, and promote the club at a bigger level. Also, the A’s management claimed that they had to leave Oakland because they didn’t have a loyal fanbase to help them remain a profitable club.

The Athletics relocation plan is looking questionable every day

Oakland Athletics’ relocation plan to Las Vegas is becoming questionable for several reasons. Oakland is among the top 10 baseball TV markets in the US, while Las Vegas is in the 40th position, making it the smallest baseball TV market in the states. Advertising, however, might be a significantly bigger source of revenue for the A’s in Vegas.

The A’s will have to try their best to ensure the relocation goes smoothly. After their 10% game request, more questions will arise. As Jeremy Koo said: “The Athletics should not be arriving in Las Vegas with one foot already out the door.” After the 2024 season, the Athletics will relocate to Sacramento from 2025 to 2027, as the Las Vegas ballpark with 33000 seats will be constructed from 2025 onwards.

Currently, the Athletics averages less than 6,500 fans a game. This puts a massive question mark over the possibility of their survival outside their home stadium. From the A’s perspective, it seems a risky move that can make or break their future in years to come.