The Oakland Athletics’ proposed move to Las Vegas via Sacramento is currently stalled. The efforts, spearheaded by club owner John Fisher and his associate Dave Kaval, have been widely criticized for their poor execution.
A major issue is funding. Despite promised tax dollars, Fisher still needs substantial private financing to move forward with the Las Vegas project. This financing is hard to secure, especially when the project lacks credibility. Fisher is planning to leave a shared spot in one of MLB’s largest markets for Las Vegas, which would be MLB’s smallest market. Coupled with the team’s recent poor performance, driven by Fisher’s mismanagement, there is little fan enthusiasm for the move. Although Fisher would gain guaranteed revenue-sharing payouts in Vegas, other aspects of his plan, including the proposed ballpark’s inadequate seating capacity, make little sense. Consequently, it’s uncertain if the Las Vegas A’s will ever materialize, despite Fisher and Kaval’s confident claims.
Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times interviewed MLB players from Las Vegas during the All-Star break about the A’s proposed move. The responses were insightful and showed a better understanding of the situation than many experts. Diamondbacks closer Paul Sewald said, “I think it’s a terrible idea. The whole thing, I fear, is going to be an abject disaster.” Sewald pointed out that Las Vegas already has a crowded market for professional sports, with a small population and media market size. He also noted that Fisher has never shown a willingness to invest in his team at a level necessary for winning, which means the A’s are likely to continue struggling if they move to Vegas. Additionally, giving Fisher over $500 million in public money is highly unpopular with voters, and the funding package is deliberately not subject to a public referendum. Sewald also mentioned that Vegas is predominantly Dodgers territory, making it hard for the A’s to gain a fan base.
Vegas native Tommy Pham criticized Fisher’s reluctance to spend money on the team, comparing it to how wealthy people often pretend to be broke. Pham stated, “These owners are profiting, you know? They cry broke. I do the same thing. I cry broke when people ask me for money but, deep down, I know I got it. It’s what people with money do.”
He’s right. Unlike the Atlanta Braves, MLB franchises are not publicly traded and do not have to disclose their finances. Owners’ claims about financial struggles are often deceptive. Most MLB franchises are highly profitable, and accounting tricks are used to make them appear otherwise. Fisher’s excuses for not spending should not be taken seriously.
Shaikin’s article includes more insights, with comments from Bryce Harper and additional remarks from Sewald and others. It’s worth a full read. Meanwhile, continue to view Fisher and his shaky plans with the skepticism they deserve.
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