What Happened to Oakland Athletics?
The Oakland Athletics, an MLB franchise with a storied history, have embarked on a multi-stage relocation journey, moving from Oakland, California, after the 2024 season to a temporary home in West Sacramento for the 2025-2027 seasons. Their ultimate destination is a new, climate-controlled ballpark in Las Vegas, Nevada, projected to open in 2028, marking the team's fourth city of residence.
Quick Answer
The Oakland Athletics, after years of failed stadium negotiations in Oakland, officially left the city after the 2024 MLB season. They are currently playing their home games as the 'Athletics' at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, California, for the 2025, 2026, and 2027 seasons. Construction is underway for their permanent new stadium on the Las Vegas Strip, which is anticipated to be ready for the 2028 season. The team's valuation has seen a significant increase amidst these relocation efforts.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
MLB Permits A's to Explore Relocation
Major League Baseball granted the Oakland Athletics permission to explore relocation options if they could not secure a new stadium deal in Oakland by 2024.
Oakland Ends Stadium Negotiations
Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao announced that the city had ended negotiations with the Athletics regarding a potential $12 billion waterfront ballpark and mixed-use project at Howard Terminal.
A's Announce Las Vegas Stadium Intent
The Athletics and Bally's Corp. announced an agreement to build a new MLB ballpark on 9 acres of the Tropicana hotel site in Las Vegas, shifting the team's focus away from Oakland.
Nevada Governor Signs Stadium Funding Bill
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo signed SB1, a bill pledging $380 million in taxpayer money to help fund the A's proposed $1.5 billion stadium in Las Vegas.
MLB Owners Unanimously Approve Relocation
Major League Baseball owners voted unanimously to approve the Athletics' relocation from Oakland to Las Vegas, paving the way for the team's move.
A's Announce Temporary Move to Sacramento
With their Oakland Coliseum lease expiring, the A's announced they would play their home games at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento for the 2025, 2026, and 2027 MLB seasons, with an option for 2028, while their Las Vegas stadium is built.
Sutter Health Park to Feature Natural Grass
MLB, the Athletics, and Sutter Health Park jointly announced that the temporary home field in Sacramento would feature natural grass instead of artificial turf, addressing player preferences.
Team Officially Drops 'Oakland' from Name
The franchise officially dropped 'Oakland' from its name, adopting 'Athletics' as its primary designation, reflecting its current uncertain status and future relocation.
Final Ballpark Agreements Approved in Las Vegas
The Las Vegas Stadium Authority approved the final three ballpark-related agreements, including the lease, non-relocation, and development agreements, after 17 months of work.
Marc Badain Hired as A's President
Former Las Vegas Raiders executive Marc Badain was hired as the Athletics' president, following the resignation of Dave Kaval, bringing his experience in stadium development and relocation to the team.
Las Vegas Ballpark Groundbreaking Ceremony
A ceremonial groundbreaking was held for the new Las Vegas ballpark, officially commencing construction on the future home of the Athletics.
Six 'Home' Games Scheduled for Las Vegas in 2026
The Athletics announced they would play six regular-season 'home' games at Las Vegas Ballpark in Summerlin in June 2026, providing an early taste of MLB in Southern Nevada.
Las Vegas Stadium Construction Progressing
Construction updates show significant progress on the Las Vegas ballpark, with steel structures rising and concrete being poured, keeping the project on track for its 2028 opening.
Athletics Continue 2026 Season in Sacramento
As of today, April 16, 2026, the Athletics are continuing their second season playing home games at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, with a current record of 9-8 and efforts to engage the local fanbase.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Oakland Athletics' journey to find a new home has been a protracted and often contentious saga, culminating in their departure from Oakland after the 2024 MLB season. For years, the franchise sought to replace the aging Oakland Coliseum, their home since 1968, with a modern ballpark in the Bay Area. However, negotiations with the city of Oakland for various proposed sites, including a waterfront project at Howard Terminal, repeatedly stalled over public financing and other issues.
In May 2021, Major League Baseball granted the Athletics permission to explore relocation options if a new stadium deal in Oakland couldn't be secured by 2024. This opened the door for the team to consider other cities, with Las Vegas quickly emerging as a primary contender. After Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao announced the cessation of negotiations in April 2023, the A's intensified their focus on Las Vegas, announcing their intention to build a new ballpark on the Tropicana hotel site.
A critical turning point came in June 2023 when Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo signed a bill pledging $380 million in taxpayer money towards the construction of a new $2 billion, 33,000-seat stadium on the Las Vegas Strip. This public funding, combined with the team's commitment to secure private financing, solidified the relocation plan. In November 2023, MLB owners unanimously approved the Athletics' move to Las Vegas.
With their lease at the Oakland Coliseum expiring at the end of the 2024 season and the Las Vegas stadium not expected to be ready until 2028, the A's needed a temporary home. After considering several locations, including Salt Lake City and an extension in Oakland, the team announced in April 2024 that they would play their home games at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, California, for the 2025, 2026, and 2027 seasons, with an option for 2028. This minor league ballpark, home to the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats, has a capacity of approximately 10,000 fixed seats, expandable to 14,000. In October 2024, it was confirmed that the field would be natural grass, addressing player concerns.
In November 2024, the organization took the symbolic step of officially dropping 'Oakland' from its name, now referring to itself simply as the 'Athletics.' Construction on the Las Vegas ballpark officially began in May 2025 with a groundbreaking ceremony in June. As of March 2026, construction is progressing, with steel structures rising and concrete being poured, keeping the project on track for a 2028 opening. The team's valuation has reportedly increased to $2.5 billion as of March 2026, a significant jump from previous years, reflecting the anticipated revenue generation from the new Las Vegas stadium.
As of April 16, 2026, the Athletics are playing their second season in Sacramento. Early 2026 attendance figures at Sutter Health Park have shown some improvement compared to their final years in Oakland, with the team making efforts to embrace its temporary Sacramento identity. The team also has six 'home' games scheduled to be played at Las Vegas Ballpark in June 2026, offering a preview of MLB in Southern Nevada ahead of the permanent move.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Oakland Athletics made different choices?