Las Vegas has hovered over the Oakland A’s negotiations with the city since Rob Manfred brought up relocation as a possibility. Ownership has already taken two treks to Vegas, looking at stadium sites and getting a feel for the city. At times, it has felt as though a move is inevitable, especially given the occasionally contentious negotiations between the two sides.
But the latest news about Las Vegas may actually be a positive…for Oakland. Ownership was supposed to head out for a third trip to the city last week, but postponed their plans. Those plans have yet to be rescheduled.
Oakland A’s may be sending message to city
At times, there have been questions as to how much A’s ownership wants to actually remain in town. Team president Dave Kaval had been far more open about his complaints regarding the city and the Coliseum lately, making it seem as though the team already had a foot out the door.
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There have been some positive developments since. The Oakland City Council had approved a modified plan for the Howard Terminal Project. Environmental studies on the project have been approved. There is traction for a deal to happen and the A’s to get their long coveted new waterfront ballpark.
This does not mean that major hurdles do not exist. The City of Oakland and A’s ownership will need to come to an agreement about financing, and which side provides the payment for what. Until the pen has been put to the paper, and ground has broken on the new ballpark, everything can still fall apart.
However, it appears as though there is light at the end of the tunnel. Ownership has not gone off to Las Vegas for the third time, and seems to be willing to wait to make such a trek. Negotiations may be progressing to the point where the A’s will actually be Rooted in Oakland for the foreseeable future, and not until their lease on the Coliseum is over.
Oakland A’s ownership has yet to reschedule their third trek to Las Vegas. This may be a positive sign for negotiations with the City of Oakland.