MLB Owners Likely to Approve Oakland Athletics’ Move to Las Vegas Pending Legal Challenge
MLB owners are expected to give their approval for the Oakland Athletics’ proposed move to Las Vegas, according to sources at the ongoing MLB owner’s meetings in Arlington, Texas. The relocation committee had initially expressed concerns about the viability of the Las Vegas market and the uncertain future of the team’s stadium lease in Oakland. However, it seems these concerns have been overridden, and the move is now seen as a formality.
The decision to relocate the Athletics to Las Vegas is not without its challenges. One major hurdle is a pending legal challenge by school teachers in Nevada who are seeking a referendum on the $380 million in funding that the A’s will receive from the state. If successful, this challenge could potentially change the circumstances surrounding the proposed move.
The question of where the team will call home after the 2024 season has not been addressed in the current owner’s meetings. There are possibilities that range from continuing to play in Oakland or moving to another major or minor league stadium. Should the A’s decide to negotiate an extension of their lease in Oakland, they will do so on the city’s terms. The mayor’s office in Oakland wants to retain the team and is open to discussing an extension, but they also want to secure the A’s brand and franchise history, along with a guarantee of receiving an expansion franchise.
It is no surprise that the Commissioner’s office is in favor of the relocation, as the decision is expected to be rubber-stamped by the owners. However, there are still several hurdles to overcome before the move can be finalized. The process is far from finished.
In conclusion, it appears highly likely that the MLB owners will approve the Oakland Athletics’ move to Las Vegas, pending the resolution of a legal challenge by Nevada school teachers. The decision, however, raises questions about where the team will play in the future, and negotiations with Oakland are still a possibility. The outcome of this relocation process remains uncertain, with multiple factors at play.
