• Loading stock data...
Friday, July 11, 2025

Executive Behind Failed Effort to Keep A’s in Oakland Steps Down

Dave Kaval was the point person of a contentious and ultimately failed attempt by the A’s to stay “Rooted in Oakland.” Now he is leaving the club as it begins its next chapters.

Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

A key figure in the failed attempt by the A’s to build a new ballpark in Oakland, and the club’s eventual relocation, is no longer with the franchise—putting another coda on its tumultuous recent history.

Dave Kaval, A’s president since 2016, is resigning to, in his words, “explore new opportunities at the crossroads of business and government” while staying in California. His last day with the A’s will be Tuesday, and he will not be continuing with the club as it heads to Sacramento for a three-year interim stay, and then Las Vegas.

Kaval, a former president of the Earthquakes of MLS, was the public face of a highly contentious effort by the A’s to build a $12 billion ballpark and expansive mixed-use development across two sites, anchored by a new stadium at Oakland’s Howard Terminal. After multiple years of effort by the A’s and a “Rooted in Oakland” slogan championed by Kaval, the plan failed to secure key approvals, as he frequently battled with local leaders. In November 2023, MLB owners approved the club’s bid to relocate to Las Vegas in November 2023— ultimately ending 57 seasons of A’s history in Oakland.

“As we look ahead to the next chapter of our franchise, the team will continue to grow under leadership, driving the organization toward success during our interim years in West Sacramento and at our new home in Las Vegas,” said A’s owner John Fisher. 

Sandy Dean, a longtime business partner of the Fisher family, is serving as interim president while a search will begin in the new year. 

The club is now working to make the best of a challenging situation in Sacramento, playing in an outdoor, minor league ballpark subject to extreme summer heat. Las Vegas officials, meanwhile, recently made key approvals on the planned $1.75 billion ballpark along the famed Las Vegas Strip. The A’s are also temporarily playing without any geographic signifier before their nickname.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jeff Kaplan

Letting PE Invest in Family-Owned Teams Is a ‘Watershed’

Liquidity gives owners greater flexibility to manage salary cap.
Apr 6, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; The LIV Golf logo is on display along the 10th hole during the second round of LIV Golf Miami golf tournament at Trump National Doral.

LIV Golf’s New Leadership Reapplies for World Ranking Points

The league’s first attempt was denied in 2023.

All-Star Game Returns to Atlanta With Big Plans After 2021 Exit

The league’s jewel event is set to be a global showcase for The Battery.
Bruce Meyer and Tony Clark of the MLBPA

MLB, Players’ Union Spar Over Salary Cap As Labor Fight Looms

The MLB Players Association’s No. 2 executive outlines what he sees owners doing.

Featured Today

Rimouski, QC - JUNE 1: Final Game of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Medicine Hats Tigers and the London Knights on June 1, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc.

CHL Is Facing a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of Questions Amid NCAA Talent Departure

As players defect to college, the Canadian Hockey League won’t cede ground.
Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) bats during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field.
July 9, 2025

The Torpedo Bat Business Is Still Going Strong: ‘Here to Stay’

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.
July 6, 2025

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
July 5, 2025

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.
Alex Rodriguez

Finally in Charge, A-Rod Says Timberwolves Need New Arena

Rodriguez and Lore would like to repair team relations with Kevin Garnett.
July 9, 2025

From Dynasty to Disarray: Red Bull Fires Christian Horner

He served as Red Bull team principal for more than two decades.
Alex Sarr
July 9, 2025

Wizards Pushing Limits of Youth With 11 Players on Rookie Deals

Washington’s 2025 first-round pick is top-eight protected.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Chelsea
July 8, 2025

Chelsea Club World Cup Run Banks at Least $100M for Mark Walter..

The Blues will likely take home between $100 million and $120 million.
July 8, 2025

Texas Sports Teams, Leagues Donate Over $5M to Flood Relief

NFL, MLB, and NBA teams in Texas donate to flood recovery efforts.
Chelsea
July 8, 2025

Club World Cup Semis Are Battle to Make Richest Soccer Final Ever

Semifinalists have each earned at least $60 million from the tournament so far.
July 7, 2025

Nationals Hit Reset Button, Oust Rizzo and Martinez Before Draft

The MLB club made major leadership changes just days before the draft.