Report: MLB commissioner Rob Manfred says A’s have started relocation process
Jul 11, 2023, 2:27 PM
SEATTLE, WA - JULY 09: Major League Baseball Commissioner Robert D. Manfred Jr. speaks during the MLB Draft presented by Nike at Lumen Field on Sunday, July 9, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
(Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred provided some insight on the latest relocation efforts by the Oakland A’s.
While speaking to the Baseball Writers’ Association of America ahead of Tuesday night’s MLB All-Star Game in Seattle’s T-Mobile Park, Manfred was asked where the team’s efforts stand.
According to the Associated Press, Manfred said the Oakland Athletics have started submitting information for its relocation application. The application, which he said is not complete, will then go to MLB’s relocation committee. According to ESPN, that committee includes Philadelphia Phillies chief executive officer John Middleton and Kansas City Royals CEO John Sherman.
Rob Manfred was asked about the A's in regard to their relocation application process: "They have begun to submit information related to their relocation application. It’s not complete at this time."
— John Shea (@JohnSheaHey) July 11, 2023
Las Vegas could be the fourth home for the franchise if MLB owners approve the relocation. The team originates from Philadelphia where they played from 1901-1954. The Athletics then moved to Kansas City until 1968, when they relocated to Oakland.
The other bit of information Manfred dropped was about where the Oakland Athletics could play after next season. The A’s lease with the Oakland Coliseum ends after the 2024 season. That’s a problem because if the team relocates, the proposed Las Vegas stadium isn’t expected to be complete until 2028.
So, where will the A’s play in 2025? Well, he’s not sure.
“Our relocation guidelines actually spell out pretty clearly what needs to be included in your application. One of the things that you have to include is what’s going to happen during the interim period. They have not made a submission on that topic yet.”
If the A’s relocate, they’d be the first team to move since the Montreal Expos became the Washington Nationals in 2005.
Where do the A’s relocation efforts stand?
Earlier this summer, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo signed SB-1, formerly SB-509, granting the Oakland Athletics $380 in public funding for an eventual $1.5 billion stadium along the Las Vegas Strip.
The Nevada state Senate and Assembly passed the bill after a seven-day special session to fine-tune the financing. The next move for relocation to become official is approval from 75% of MLB owners.
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