While skeptics remain, the A's are aiming to make significant investments in player contracts and escalate their payroll to levels previously unseen under owner John Fisher's tenure.

According to a source familiar with their plans, the A's anticipate payrolls to range between $130 million and $150 million during the ramp-up period before moving into their new ballpark. Once established in their fixed-roof stadium, the team expects payrolls to surpass $170 million. While team president Dave Kaval did not confirm the exact numbers, he stated that they are targeting figures on the higher side of the league average.

Last season, the average major-league payroll stood at $165.7 million, according to Spotrac. The A's, who began the season with a league-low payroll of $56.9 million, have not ranked in the top 15 in player salaries since 1994. The projected payrolls in the coming years are undoubtedly transformative and could signal a significant shift in the team's commitment to winning.

Kaval emphasized the necessity of a competitive payroll to attract a fan base in the Vegas market, which will rely heavily on both tourists and locals. However, the team will face challenges as it transitions from the nation's tenth largest designated market area (DMA) to the 40th. Las Vegas will become the smallest media market in Major League Baseball, trailing only Milwaukee at No. 38.

During the interim period, the A's will play one final season in Oakland before their temporary home for the following three years is determined. While it is not unusual for a relocating team to play in different venues before moving into their permanent home, the A's may spend the majority of a full season playing in a different city. John Thorn, MLB's official historian, mentioned the Hartford Dark Blues as the only similar case from nearly a century and a half ago.

The team's potential move outside the Bay Area could result in the loss of their contract with local television network NBC Sports California. This deal, set to run until 2033, provided the A's with $67 million last season. Options such as Summerlin (Nevada), Sacramento, or Salt Lake City have been considered, although the latter two offer larger media markets than Las Vegas.

Despite the uncertainties, Kaval pointed to successful examples such as the NFL's Raiders and NHL's Golden Knights thriving in Las Vegas. The A's hope to build on that success and secure strong attendance as the foundation of their plan. Kaval acknowledged that investments in player operations are crucial to keeping talented homegrown players like Matt Olson, Matt Chapman, and Sean Murphy while also attracting free agents.

The A's, under Fisher's ownership, have never ranked higher than 17th in payroll since 2005, and their highest expenditure on player salaries was $92.2 million in 2019. However, their adept management, led by Billy Beane and David Forst, has resulted in seven postseason appearances between 2006 and 2020.

As the A's prepare for their move to Las Vegas, the team aims to increase their value and competitiveness. In what promises to be a decisive period for the franchise, the ability to maintain a talented roster year after year will be imperative. Only time will tell if the A's can achieve their goals and fulfill their aspirations in their new home.

(Note: This news article is generated based on the entities, numbers, and dates mentioned in the provided information.