In a bid to retain the Oakland Athletics and address the uncertainty surrounding their proposed relocation to Las Vegas, the city of Oakland is reportedly set to offer the team a five-year lease extension. The proposal, which includes an opt-out clause after three seasons, aims to provide stability and a temporary home for the Athletics as they navigate through the relocation process.

According to Tim Keown of ESPN, Oakland's proposal will require the Athletics to pay a hefty extension fee of $97 million. The extension fee is seen as a necessary step to secure the lease agreement and ensure the team's presence in Oakland for at least the next three seasons, with the current lease at the Oakland Coliseum set to expire after the 2024 campaign.

The city's offer sheet, obtained by ESPN and KGO-TV, reveals that Oakland has dropped previous requirements that called for Major League Baseball (MLB) to keep the A's name and colors in Oakland. Additionally, the proposal no longer includes a demand for MLB to guarantee the city a future expansion team.

One of the main motivations behind the lease extension is to safeguard the city in case there are construction delays in Las Vegas or if the relocation deal falls through. Construction for the A's new stadium in Las Vegas is yet to begin, with the estimated completion date not expected until the 2028 season at the earliest. The proposed lease extension would fill the gap until then, providing the A's with a temporary home.

Should the A's complete their relocation to Las Vegas, they would become only the second team in recent Major League Baseball history to move across state lines. The last instance of such a move occurred prior to the 2005 season when the Montreal Expos moved to Washington D.C. and became the Washington Nationals.

While the A's have reportedly considered several interim homes, including Sacramento, California, and Salt Lake City, Utah, the lease extension from Oakland would allow them to retain their rights to the local broadcasting money. The team's ownership and management are likely evaluating their options and weighing the benefits of staying in Oakland temporarily or seeking an alternative location.

As the negotiations continue, the five-year lease extension with an opt-out clause after three seasons presents a potential solution for the Athletics and their uncertain future. Ultimately, the decision rests with the team's ownership and management as they navigate the complex process of relocating to Las Vegas while ensuring a stable transition for both players and fans alike.