World Series in Sacramento? It could happen in 2026

Michael Wagaman discusses the A’s playoff run and World Series possibility at Sutter Health Park after an atmosphere shift in West Sacramento.

BY FRANKIE CARTOSCELLI

May 26, 2026, 11:35 AM

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Watch: Michael Wagaman: If the A's Make the World Series they WILL Play in West Sacramento | 10 mins

Could the World Series be coming to Sutter Health Park this fall? If the A’s make a run this postseason, it could happen.

Longtime reporter Michael Wagaman joined Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys to break down the dramatic shift surrounding the Athletics at Sutter Health Park, where the A’s are now in their second season after leaving Oakland following the 2024 campaign.

The A’s, currently sitting in first place in the American League West as summer approaches, continue to build their temporary identity in West Sacramento while awaiting their planned move to a new billion-dollar stadium in Las Vegas, with construction expected to be complete in time for the 2028 season.

A major storyline this year is whether postseason baseball, including potentially the World Series, could be played at Sutter Health Park. That question has become even more relevant after the Athletics confirmed earlier this season that any home playoff games will be held there, at the 10,624-seat venue (14,014 including standing room and lawn), home of the AAA Sacramento River Cats.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 06: A general view of the Athletics playing against the Seattle Mariners at Sutter Health Park on May 06, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

More on Sutter Health Park

Over the past year-plus, the ballpark has undergone extensive upgrades, including a new playing surface, video boards, concourse improvements, upgraded player facilities, a new clubhouse, and many more additions.

Wagaman described a completely transformed atmosphere compared to 2025.

“I’m going to say 180 degrees,” he said, emphasizing how different the environment feels this season at Sutter Health Park. He added, “Because last year it seemed kind of forced, it seemed like a kind of forced relationship, and the team did not wear Sacramento. They did not claim it.”

This year, however, the tone has changed significantly. “The vibes are great, the grass areas full, they’re having a great time,” he said, noting fireworks nights, ‘Sacramento Saturdays,’ and a more energized fanbase as the Athletics remain above the .500 mark after 54 games.

The key shift, according to Wagaman, is acceptance.

“It’s just night and day. The vibes are great. I think it’s like you said, the vibe is to me Sacramento was finally accepted,” he explained, pointing to team uniforms and merchandise now reflecting the city name and stronger crowd engagement. That emotional buy-in, he argued, has helped turn Sutter Health Park into a legitimate home environment rather than a temporary stopover.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 04: Luis Morales #19 of the Athletics pitches against the Houston Astros in the top of the first inning at Sutter Health Park on April 04, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

The most striking revelation came when Wagaman discussed the postseason implications.

“I asked [MLB agents], I said, ‘If you guys get to the World Series, there’s no way Major League Baseball is going to let you play here, right?’ They’ve been assured by Major League Baseball that if they do make it to the World Series, it will be at Sutter Health Park,” he said, underscoring just how central the venue could become on baseball’s biggest stage.

Wagaman also noted that a deep playoff run could have broader implications for Sacramento’s sports profile and expansion hopes, calling the current moment a rare opportunity for the region to showcase itself nationally through postseason baseball at Sutter Health Park.

The A’s have a long way to go before we can start visualizing the Fall Classic in West Sacramento, but the possibility appears to be very much on the table.

Check out the full conversation at the top of the page or by heading over to the Sactown Sports YouTube channel.

Listen to The Drive Guys from 2 – 6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

Click here for full episodes of The Drive Guys.