Could the A’s stay in West Sacramento for a fourth year? Here’s what the ownership says

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The A’s last week unveiled financing plans for the $1.5 billion Las Vegas stadium they are slated to move to in 2028. But some details aren’t complete, including who will provide a $300 million loan which is part of the plan.

Could that mean an extra — a fourth — year in West Sacramento?

The A’s say no, and that they are on track for where they should be in the process. The team also said excitement is building for their Sacramento-area residency. While they did not provide an exact number, the team said that thousands of fans have already plucked down a $100 deposit for 2025 season tickets.

Last week, a draft 90-page agreement between the Las Vegas Stadium Authority and the Athletics was shared publicly at a meeting of the authority.

During the meeting, Sandy Dean, an adviser to A’s owner John Fisher and a point person for the A’s when it comes to working out the details of the stadium, outlined during a presentation the A’s a vision for financing the 33,000-seat retractable roof stadium on the Las Vegas strip.

Dean broke down how a combination of $800 million in private equity investment (including money from the Fisher family), up to $380 million of public funding approved by the Nevada legislature and another $300 million in bank loans will fund the stadium.

State of the deal and the A’s

In an interview with The Bee, Dean acknowledged the team has yet to complete a deal with a lending partner.

Any significant delay in the construction could lead to a fourth year in Sacramento. But, Dean said the team has already had “substantial interest from a number of lenders to participate in the capital structure.”

The reason interest is strong, Dean said, “is the amount of money we’re going to borrow is modest compared to the value of the team, and the value of the stadium.”

The A’s are currently in last place in the American League West with a record of 42-63. They are also dead last in attendance , averaging just 8,179 fans per game, on track to have one of the worst attendance records in MLB history.

Still, the team has shown some signs of life. Mason Miller, the A’s fireball-throwing reliever,who routinely throws over 102 miles per hour, struck out two including Dodger phenom Shohei Ohtani during an appearance in the All-Star game in Atlanta.

Ramp-up time

On March 31, the Athletics will host the Chicago Cubs at Sutter Health stadium in West Sacramento. Dean said he views the team’s time in Sacramento as part of the ramp-up as the team prepares to land in Vegas.

“The reasons we have been seeking a new venue for a long time are threefold,” he said. “Better fan experience, better player experience, and ultimately the whole point of making such a large investment is having a venue that generates enough revenue that we have the resources to retain our best players and attract free agents. That is why we are doing this, so we can be more competitive on the field.”

Dean, who was also a key figure in facilitating the team’s temporary move to West Sacramento said there is a lot to look forward to in Sacramento.

“I’ve spent a fair amount of time in Sacramento and it’s a wonderful place in the summer,” he said. “There are a lot of great restaurants, yet it has a small-town feel. People are going to be able to stroll around the Capitol, then walk across the Tower Bridge and enjoy a major league baseball game.”