Tuesday October 3, 2023

Oakland Paves Way for WNBA Expansion Team

  • Oakland has entered into an exclusive negotiating agreement with the African American Sports and Entertainment Group over a new development.
  • The development could bring sports, entertainment, and housing to the city's 50% stake of the Oakland Coliseum site.
A close up of a WNBA basketball
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Front Office Sports Today

NBC Could Get In On College Football Playoffs

NBC is exploring broadcasting a slice of the expanded CFP in 2026.
Listen Now
October 3, 2023 | Podcast
Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

Oakland is getting closer to its own WNBA team.

The city has entered into an exclusive negotiating agreement with the African American Sports and Entertainment Group over development of the city’s 50% stake of the Oakland Coliseum site — which could bring sports, entertainment, and housing to the area.

In 2021, it was announced that WNBA champion and four-time All-Star Alana Beard and attorney Jade Smith-Williams were leading efforts by the AASEG to begin the process of establishing a team.

Beard is close to completing and submitting the proposal to the WNBA, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

  • The WNBA previously announced plans to add two teams for the 2024 season, but the timeline has been moved to at least 2025.
  • Beard is reportedly using the delay to secure infrastructure.

AASEG has two years to negotiate. 

Nashville, San Francisco, and Toronto are also thought to be possible contenders for expansion teams.

A’s Contribution

The Oakland A’s own the other half of the property and would have to approve any plans to redevelop the area. The team’s lease expires in 2024, and the A’s have been exploring a new $12 billion waterfront stadium project at Howard Terminal.

“Certainly, the A’s are welcome to be a part of this; I want to make it clear, they’re not being kicked out,” said Rebecca Kaplan, an Oakland City Council member. “We welcome them to be a part of revitalization of the site.”

Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Bayern Munich

Real Madrid Rejects $137M League Deal Over Media Access

The La Liga club is not offering extra media access.

Barclays Center Finances Struggling In Competitive NY Arena Market

Brooklyn venue faces fierce competition in crowded New York market

Messi Business Still Growing Despite Inter Miami's Slim Playoff Hopes

Season ticket demand for 2024 is reportedly skyrocketing.

MLB Expansion Suitors Grow, Even Without Formal Process

Montreal, Raleigh amplify their pitches for new MLB team
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

NBC Could Get In On College Football Playoffs

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

An advocacy group is filing an NLRB case against the Ivy League over athlete compensation.

Advocacy Group Files Federal Labor Charge Against Ivy League

It’s the latest in a flurry of NLRB cases over amateurism.
The Colorado Buffaloes played in the most-watched game of Week 5.
October 3, 2023

Colorado Ratings Bonanza Continues Despite Two Consecutive Losses

The Buffs’ least-watched game this season was still the most-watched this week.
Football analyst and PFF investor Chris Collinsworth talks to man in front of computers
October 3, 2023

Cris Collinsworth 'Lost a Lot of Sleep' Over Pro Football Focus Leadership Issues

New book details why it’s no longer a “happy place to work.”
NBC is interested in media rights to the expanded College Football Playoff.
exclusive
October 2, 2023

NBC Is Interested in Expanded College Football Playoff Media Rights

NBC is one of the networks pitching the CFP, a source confirmed.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Chicago Cubs
Chicago
Fanatics
New York
Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group, Inc.
USA - Multiple Locations

Tiger's TGL Continues To Gain Investors And Attract Big Business

The virtual league will play at the 2,000-seat SoFi Center.
October 2, 2023

LPGA Seeking Major Capital Raise Amid Golf Craze

The top women's golf tour is looking for new financial backing.
October 2, 2023

Big-Dollar Clubs Home For MLB Playoffs, But Money Still Matters

Postseason field includes set of lower-budget upstarts
October 2, 2023

MLB Attendance Surges 70 Million, Tops League Projections

League posts best year-over-year increase at the gate since 1993
Michael Andretti
October 2, 2023

Andretti Clears Key Hurdle To Launch Formula 1 Team

The American racing figure is one step closer to an F1 team.
Golf bag leaning on PGA Tour signage
October 1, 2023

Arctos Sports Partners Join Race To Invest In PGA Tour

New investor interest comes amid negotiations with Saudi Arabia.
September 29, 2023

Ryder Cup’s Future Hanging In The Balance Amid Saudi Disruption

An unexpected change could be coming to the Ryder Cup.
September 28, 2023

Endeavor, Fenway Sports Could Offer Competition to PGA Tour’s Saudi Deal

U.S. investors are reportedly wanting to get involved with the Tour.