Oakland A's announce temporary move to Sacramento

This story was updated at 1:25 p.m. April 4. The Oakland Athletics announced Thursday morning the team will play home games at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento starting in the 2025 season. The A's will play in Sacramento through the 2027 season while they finalize a stadium deal in Las Vegas. There is an option to extend the lease for a fourth year. "I'm thrilled to welcome the A's to Sutter Health Park, where players and fans alike can enjoy a world-class baseball experience and create unforgettable memories," said Sacramento River Cats and Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé in a press release. "Today marks the next chapter of professional sports in Sacramento. The passion of our fans is second to none, and this is an incredible opportunity to showcase one of the most dynamic and vibrant markets in the country." Ranadivé told KCRA 3 he hopes this provides an opportunity for Sacramento to land a team permanently, saying, "I've been in touch with the commissioner and I've gotten to know him. And they will be creating a new team. They want it to be on the West Coast. They'd love for it to be in California." "West Sacramento is proud to welcome the A's to our community," said West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero in a statement. "Sutter Health Park, the Sacramento Kings and the Sacramento River Cats have been tremendous partners for our city and region, and we recognize this unique opportunity will bring significant economic benefits." The team's lease at the Oakland Coliseum is set to expire at the end of the 2024 season. A's owner John Fisher said the team explored multiple options for a temporary home, including Salt Lake City, Sacramento and extending the lease at the Coliseum. The A's rejected the City of Oakland's five-year lease extension on Monday. "Even with the long-standing relationship and good intentions on all sides in the negotiations with Oakland, the conditions to achieve an agreement seemed out of reach," Fisher said in a statement. "We understand the disappointment this news brings to our fans, as this season marks our final one in Oakland. Throughout this season, we will honor and celebrate our time in Oakland, and will share additional details soon." Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed his gratitude toward West Sacramento, saying, "On behalf of all of MLB, I want to express my appreciation to West Sacramento, Sutter Health Park, the Kings and the greater Sacramento region for their excitement to host the A's for interim play as the A's new permanent home is built in Las Vegas." Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg said in an interview with Sactown Sports 1140 he had conflicting emotions about the A's coming to Sacramento, noting how he felt for the fans in Oakland but was excited for the opportunity to house an MLB franchise. "Oakland is a great city that rightfully deserves professional sports, including Major League Baseball," Steinberg said in a statement on his Facebook page. "As Mayor of Sacramento, I am over the moon for my city, our region, and our state. Today's announcement will give Sacramento a historic opportunity to once again showcase why we are one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic cities in the country." "Sacramento is passionate about sports, Sacramento is passionate about baseball. Sacramento has an indomitable spirit," Steinberg said. The River Cats will continue to play at Sutter Health Park, which seats 14,000 fans and can fit up to 16,000 with standing room, during the A's temporary stay. The team will drop Oakland from its name during its stay in Sacramento and be known as just the Athletics.