The Oakland A’s ultimate decision on their future will have ripple effects across two cities.
The team has negotiated on two sites in Las Vegas — one owned by a company with connections to MLB’s biggest local broadcaster, and the other by a billionaire looking to grow his presence in the city.
- The A’s have explored the Tropicana site owned by Bally’s, which holds naming rights to Diamond Sports Group’s 19 regional sports networks.
- They have also looked at the currently unoccupied Las Vegas Fairgrounds site.
- The Fairgrounds area is owned by billionaire Phil Ruffin, who might invest further in his neighboring Circus Circus hotel and casino if the A’s move to his site.
Both Ruffin and Houston Rockets’ owner Tilman Fertitta are seeking a greater share of the city’s casino and resort market.
The team has indicated it will stay in Oakland if it can strike a deal with the city on a $12 billion waterfront stadium and surrounding mixed-use development.
Keeping it Local
Las Vegas has become a newly hot destination for sports properties, with both Formula 1 and the Super Bowl planning moves there soon.
The city has also launched an initiative to help minority small business owners benefit from Super Bowl LVIII in 2024.
Businesses at least 51% minority-owned, have been in Las Vegas for at least three years, and that directly supply the goods and services they sell are eligible for a program that facilitates Super Bowl contracts with the hope of establishing lasting relationships.
