In a bid to keep the Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise in Oakland, the city officials have put forward a proposal to extend the Oakland Athletics' lease for five years, with an option to opt out after three. The move comes in the wake of the team's announcement to relocate to Las Vegas once a new stadium is completed in 2028.

The current lease agreement for the Athletics in Oakland is set to expire at the end of this season, leaving a significant gap in their home schedule. The aging Oakland Coliseum, coupled with poor attendance due to the team's recent struggles and the plan to move, has added to the urgency of finding a solution.

According to leaked documents obtained by ESPN and KGO-TV in San Francisco, the city's proposal requires the Athletics to pay a hefty "extension fee" of $97 million. Both the team and the city are scheduled to meet on Tuesday to discuss the offer and negotiate its terms.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed his desire to have the team's interim plans finalized by early summer to ensure smooth scheduling. As a result, the Athletics have been exploring potential interim ballparks in Sacramento and Salt Lake City. However, relocating within California would enable the team to retain their current lucrative television rights deal worth $67 million per year.

Leigh Hanson, Oakland's chief of staff, emphasized the city's eagerness to retain the Athletics, stating, "We are very interested in doing business and having the A's stay in Oakland. Part of that is helping them solve this interim location challenge and being clear about our expectations in return."

The future of the Oakland Athletics remains uncertain as talks between the team, the city, and MLB officials continue. The outcome of the upcoming meeting will likely play a significant role in determining whether the franchise will continue its storied history in Oakland or embark on a new chapter in Las Vegas.