Rob Manfred Insists That Athletics Are On Track For 2028 Move To Las Vegas

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred provided assuring words after questions arose concerning the Athletics’ impending move to Las Vegas. The team is scheduled to move into a new billion-dollar stadium in 2028, but the ground has not yet been broken for the project.

“I understand there seems to be some sense of doubt that persists out there, but [owner] John Fisher is completely committed to the process,” Manfred said. “The building’s been demolished. The site’s available. They are on track for a 2028 opening…. We’re full speed ahead.”

Manfred has been extremely supportive of Fisher’s move to Las Vegas, often drawing public ire in the process. As fans in Oakland desperately tried to save their departing baseball team in recent seasons, Fisher consistently dismissed their protests and even criticized them for low attendance. 

Playing home games in the Oakland Coliseum, generally considered one of the worst stadiums in baseball, the Athletics lost 102 and 112 games in 2022 and 2023, respectively, and improved to go 69-93 in 2024. Fisher has not dedicated more than $65 million to an Opening Day payroll since 2021.

Manfred’s recent statement provides some clarity to a murky issue. Since the new stadium was first announced, people have questioned the Athletics’ ambitious 2028 move. Fisher had to overcome fundraising issues, land grants, resistance from public officials in both Oakland and Las Vegas, and a massive amount of ill will from Oakland loyalists. 

With Manfred’s help, he has successfully initiated the relocation. Now, the stadium must be built and prepared for MLB competition in just over three years’ time. In the meantime, the Athletics will play home games in Sutter Health Park, a minor league stadium with a maximum capacity of 14,000, in West Sacramento between 2025 and 2027. It will not be the sort of environment the team will wish to stay in any longer than it has to.

Article by Patrick Moquin