In a move that suggests a departure from previous speculations, the Oakland Athletics have trademarked two new names as part of their future relocation plans to Sacramento. Public records from the United States Patent and Trademark Office reveal that the team registered the trademarks for "Sacramento Athletics" and "Sacramento A's" on Thursday.

The decision to trademark these names raises questions about the team's potential shift away from being known solely as "The Athletics" or "The A's" in their new home. While it may seem peculiar to trademark a name that will not be used, experts believe it is a proactive measure to protect the team and the league from any unauthorized use of the name. Additionally, it provides the flexibility for the team to reconsider their branding closer to the upcoming season.

Opinions among fans and analysts vary regarding the team's name selection. Some suggest that retaining a geographic identifier, such as "Sacramento Athletics," "California Athletics," or even sticking with "Oakland Athletics," could provide a stronger market connection. Critics argue that playing without a location-based identity could diminish the team's branding and support.

The Oakland Athletics, whose current 57-season stint in Oakland is nearing its end, will bid farewell to the city at the conclusion of the 2024 Major League Baseball season. Subsequently, they will make the approximately 75-minute move northeast to Sacramento, where they will call Sutter Health Park their home for the 2025 through 2027 seasons. If all goes according to plan, in 2028, the team will relocate once again, this time to Las Vegas, Nevada, where they are likely to adopt the name "Las Vegas Athletics" permanently.

With this upcoming relocation, the Athletics will make history by becoming the first Major League franchise to relocate four times. The team originated in 1901 as the Philadelphia Athletics, later moving to Kansas City in 1955 and subsequently settling in Oakland in 1968. This record-breaking relocation to Sacramento and the projected move to Las Vegas will mark the franchise's fourth and potentially final shift.

As the team charts its course for the future, the decision to trademark new names further fuels anticipation and curiosity among fans about the team's eventual branding in Sacramento. With a rich history behind them, the Athletics look forward to embarking on this new chapter in their journey, embracing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in their new homes.