Oakland A’s could be on the move out of town

When the Raiders moved to Las Vegas, leaving the Oakland A’s as the only ticket in town, the team used that status to great effect. Their Rooted In Oakland campaign was based upon their desire to remain in town, showing a commitment to the city and the community. It was also a shot at the Raiders for abandoning the city and their fanbase.

But the A’s may be following the Raiders out the door. According to reports, the A’s will consider relocation options if the Howard Terminal ballpark does not come to fruition.

Could the Oakland A’s be on the move once again?

The A’s have not exactly been a settled franchise. Originally founded in Philadelphia, the team moved to Kansas City in 1955. The A’s were on the move again in 1968, heading to their current home in Oakland, where they began play in the Coliseum.

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Although 55 years have passed since the A’s first moved to Oakland, they remain at the Coliseum. Discussions about a new ballpark have been ongoing for over two decades now, but little progress had been made until recently. Even then, there are questions as to whether or not the city will approve the $12 billion project, especially given how much the city would be putting into the ballpark.

This would not be the first time that relocation had been a possibility. The A’s had previously looked into moves to Fremont or San Jose, but nothing had come of those talks. That stalemate leaves the A’s in a rundown ballpark that is in desperate need of renovations, or a wrecking ball depending on who one asks.

Even though the A’s had threatened to move before, this is more than just saber rattling in an attempt to get the city to agree to the stadium. Major League Baseball has given the team their blessing, and encouragement, to explore other locations. The A’s may not be rooted in Oakland for much longer.

The Oakland A’s are literally the last game in town when it comes to professional sports in Oakland. That may not be the case for much longer.