In a surprising turn of events, Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao joins the growing list of officials expressing concerns over the Oakland Athletics' relocation plans to Las Vegas. Thao raised doubts about team owner John Fisher's ability to secure financing and find a suitable location for the team to play from 2025-2027, further complicating their looming departure from Oakland.

Thao's remarks came after Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman suggested that it may be in the best interest of the Athletics to remain in Oakland. Thao, speaking to The Athletic, noted that Fisher has encountered difficulties in completing stadium deals before, and now seems to be facing similar challenges with the proposed move to Las Vegas.

Thao questioned the viability of Fisher's plans, stating, "There was a thought that this plan he had in the beginning was viable. And now we're seeing that actually, maybe the plan isn't viable. The question becomes, are the plans not viable or is it that the ownership's not viable?"

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Thao emphasized, "You can't buy something that is not for sale." The Oakland Mayor expressed hope that MLB (Major League Baseball) would understand the importance of Fisher either selling the team or engaging in meaningful discussions with the city regarding potential locations, such as the shovel-ready Howard Terminal site.

However, tensions between the A's and the City of Oakland have reached a stalemate. According to ESPN, the two parties have not engaged in discussions for the past 10 months. As a result, it remains uncertain whether staying in Oakland is a realistic option at this stage.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred acknowledged the need for clarity regarding the Athletics' future plans and where they will play from 2025-2027. He hopes to reach a resolution "in the next few months." The A's have explored alternative options, including visiting Triple-A ballparks in Sacramento and Salt Lake City. They have also considered sharing Oracle Park with the San Francisco Giants, although the likelihood of using their Triple-A stadium in Las Vegas seems low.

The urgency of these matters is underscored by the fact that MLB is currently building its 2025 schedule, with the official schedule release expected in July. Additionally, construction on the new Las Vegas ballpark needs to commence soon to meet the deadline for its projected opening in the 2028 season.

While the A's franchise, which dates back to 1901, looks set to move to Las Vegas in 2028, uncertainties regarding their interim playing location from 2025-2027 continue to linger. As the situation unfolds, both fans and officials eagerly await a resolution to this ongoing saga that will shape the future of the Oakland Athletics.