A's to temporarily relocate to Sacramento ahead of Las Vegas move, team announces
WEST SACRAMENTO - The Athletics will temporarily relocate to the Sacramento area for the next three seasons after negotiations of an extension agreement with the City of Oakland were deemed "far apart" earlier this week.
The team made the announcement in a joint statement from the Athletics and Sacramento Kings owner and chairman Vivek Ranadive on Thursday.
"I'm thrilled to welcome the A's to Sutter Health Park, where players and fans alike can enjoy a world-class baseball experience and create unforgettable memories," Ranadivé said in the statement. "Today marks the next chapter of professional sports in Sacramento."
In a press conference officially announcing the move, Ranadive talked about how baseball fans will soon be able to see MLB's biggest stars in a more intimate setting -- with the hope of positioning Sacramento in the future for a permanent team of its own.
"You're going to see Ohtani, you're going to see Aaron Judge," Ranadive said. "When I bought the Kings over 10 years ago, I said that Sacramento would never play second fiddle."
“You’re gonna see Ohtani… you’re going to see Aaron Judge.” -Vivek @CBSSacramento
— Madisen Keavy (@madisenkeavy) April 4, 2024
The A's will be playing at Sutter Health Park, home of the San Francisco Giants Triple-A affiliate, the Sacramento River Cats, starting in 2025. West Sacramento will host the team for three seasons, with an option for a fourth.
A's owner and managing partner John Fisher said in a statement that he looked forward to making Sutter Health Park the team's home.
"We extend our appreciation to the Kings and the City of West Sacramento for hosting the A's while we work to complete our new ballpark in Las Vegas," Fisher said.
Fisher thanked his friend Ranadive at Thursday's announcement but took no questions after the press conference.
"I just want to say how excited I am to be here in West Sacramento, at Sutter Health Park," Fisher said.
The team will be known as just the A's, dropping Oakland from its name.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred also acknowledged the plan.
"On behalf of all of MLB, I want to express my appreciation to West Sacramento, Sutter Health Park, the Kings and the greater Sacramento region for their excitement to host the A's for interim play, as the A's new permanent home is built in Las Vegas," Manfred said.
Sutter Health Park is located in the city of West Sacramento. Mayor Martha Guerrero released a statement after the A's announcement expressing excitement about the move.
"It's an incredible day for the City of West Sacramento!" Guerrero said. "We are a baseball town and on behalf of the City we extend a warm welcome to the A's and their dedicated fanbase throughout Northern California."
West Sacramento leaders are using this as a jumping off point to pitch more baseball, permanently, in the region. Says if the A’s are supported, it’ll show why this region needs its own team. @CBSSacramento
— Madisen Keavy (@madisenkeavy) April 4, 2024
Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg released a more measured statement, noting that the announcement was a "moment of conflicting emotions."
"Oakland is a great city that rightfully deserves professional sports, including Major League Baseball. The circumstances leading to the A's departure were beyond our control as the capital city and region," Steinberg tweeted.
A's leadership paid a visit to the park in January when a welcome message was seen on the scoreboard. Team leaders were scheduled to be in Sacramento on Wednesday to talk about plans to temporarily relocate to Sacramento.
MLB owners approved a relocation proposal by A's owner John Fisher in November last year. The team plans to play at a $1.5 billion facility, beginning in 2028.
Fans interested in tickets for the Sacramento games can already sign up on the MLB website.