Vivek Ranadivé Says He’s ‘Committed To Sacramento And The River Cats Franchise’

Sacramento is a sports town. That was the message Wednesday, as the Sacramento Kings and Sacramento River Cats held a press conference to discuss Vivek Ranadivé’s recent purchase of Sacramento’s minor league baseball team.

“I’m a big believer in Sacramento,” Ranadivé said. “So when this unique opportunity came up, we knew that we had to go forward and make the deal.”

This past August, Ranadivé and the Kings announced the purchase of the MiLB Triple-A team. As part of the agreement, the River Cats will remain the Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants and Susan Savage, a longtime owner of the River Cats, will continue to serve as a strategic business advisor and member of the ownership group.

The event, held at Sutter Health Park before the last home game of the season, included comments from River Cats Strategic Business Advisor Susan Savage, West Sacramento Mayor and City Manager Martha Guerrero and Aaron Laurel, respectively.

“We received multiple offers and lucky for us, and all of you in the Sacramento region, the Kings were among the bidders,” Savage said.

Before sharing his thoughts on the partnership, Ranadivé paused and pointed out the sound of players warming up before the game.

“That’s one of my favorite sounds in the world,” Ranadivé said. “The squeak when on the basketball court, the players run up and down and the sound of the ball hitting the mitt. That’s beautiful, that’s music.”

Vivek went on to say that the Kings and River Cats are embarking on the next chapter of sports and entertainment in Sacramento. He added he and Susan share a common value system, that “the team belongs to the fans and we have a responsibility to give back to the community.”

“This partnership brings together two iconic pillars and a combined 60-year history in the community, expanding our footprint and offering new opportunities for the Sacramento region,” Ranadivé said. “Together, we can expand our impact and investments in the local communities and explore new ways to enhance the fan experience at Sutter Health Park. I’m wholeheartedly committed to Sacramento and the long-term success of the River Cats franchise. I’m excited for what’s ahead and know that this is only the beginning.”

The River Cats moved to the West Sacramento stadium in 2000. In that 23 years, West Sacramento has grown and the riverfront has added many amenities. Guerrero said they are thrilled as a city for what the future holds for the team.

“You are the ideal partner to fulfill the future of the riverfront’s vibrant vision,” Guerrero said to Ranadivé.

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