Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed a notable lack of concern regarding the Oakland A’s impending move to Las Vegas, emphasizing the complexities involved in relocating from a long-established market to a new city without an existing stadium. He acknowledged that such transitions are rarely smooth and are likely to encounter challenges along the way. However, Manfred conveyed confidence in the solidity of the A’s plans for Las Vegas, including their commitment to constructing a new stadium and commencing play there by 2028.
Despite these assurances, the immediate future remains uncertain regarding where the A’s will play during the interim period from 2025 to 2027, as their current stadium lease in Oakland expires at the end of 2024. The team recently engaged in discussions with the City of Oakland to explore the possibility of extending their lease at the Coliseum until their new ballpark in Vegas is ready.
An A’s spokesperson described the meeting with Oakland officials as positive, expressing optimism about ongoing negotiations for a lease extension. In addition to considering Sacramento and Salt Lake City as temporary alternatives, the A’s are grappling with the financial implications of leaving Oakland before their move to Las Vegas, which could result in reduced TV revenue.
Manfred highlighted the complexity of the decision-making process faced by the A’s, noting conflicting considerations that influence their choice of interim location. He underscored the team’s thorough exploration of various alternatives before making a final decision, which is crucial given the impending deadline to finalize the 2025 season schedule by July.
Regarding the planned ballpark in Las Vegas, situated on a nine-acre parcel on the Las Vegas Strip, Manfred addressed concerns about its size, emphasizing the team’s belief that the space is adequate for a Major League Baseball stadium. He attributed delays in releasing stadium renderings to ongoing discussions between Bally’s, the site’s operator, and the A’s regarding the optimal design to enhance fan experience.
In response to questions about MLB’s commitment to the Bay Area following the A’s departure, Manfred reassured that community involvement and youth programming initiatives would continue unabated. While acknowledging the ongoing presence of the San Francisco Giants in the region, he affirmed MLB’s dedication to maintaining a strong fan base and community ties on the Oakland side of the Bay.
Aside from discussing the A’s relocation, Manfred touched upon various other topics during a spring training press conference. He indicated that Toronto and Chicago are leading contenders to host the All-Star Game in 2027 and 2028, citing factors such as the cities’ prior hosting history and their willingness to meet MLB’s logistical and security requirements for such events.
Manfred also reiterated MLB’s preference for implementing a free-agent signing deadline, proposing a period in December to streamline contract negotiations and provide clarity for teams and players alike. However, he acknowledged challenges in gaining acceptance for this proposal from the MLB Players Association (MLBPA), highlighting ongoing labor-related discussions that continue to shape the league’s operational framework.
In summary, while navigating the intricacies of the Oakland A’s relocation and addressing broader league issues, Commissioner Manfred remains optimistic about MLB’s future initiatives and committed to fostering growth and stability within the sport.
