Sacramento Emerges as Leading Contender to Host the A's Before Vegas Move

In a recent development, Sacramento has emerged as the front-runner to host the Oakland Athletics from 2025 to 2027 before their relocation to Las Vegas, according to a source familiar with the team's search process. The possibility of a return to the Oakland Coliseum and Salt Lake City are also being considered as interim homes, with a decision expected in the coming weeks.

The A's and the City of Oakland held a meeting on Thursday to discuss the potential of the team staying in town until 2027. "We had a constructive and positive meeting with the City of Oakland and Alameda County and are focused on continuing conversations around a lease extension at the Coliseum," stated an A's spokesperson.

However, returning to the Coliseum presents several challenges due to the messy nature of the team's planned exit from Oakland. As negotiations continue, staying in Oakland would allow the A's to maintain the television revenue they are already contractually owed by NBC Sports California.

On the other hand, relocating to Sacramento could also provide the A's with a substantial portion of their owed TV money. Although the team would technically be outside the territory specified in their TV deal, NBC Sports California already televises another Sacramento team, the Kings. The exact amount of revenue negotiation is yet to be determined, and NBC Sports California declined to comment on the matter.

Alternatively, a move to Salt Lake City could leave the A's starting from scratch in terms of TV revenue. This possibility may pose a challenge for the team as they would need to establish new broadcasting agreements in the area.

The decision regarding the A's interim home is expected to be made in the following weeks, rather than months. It remains to be seen whether Sacramento, the Oakland Coliseum, or Salt Lake City will provide the most suitable and financially viable location for the A's before their eventual shift to Las Vegas.