Rob Manfred is not optimistic that the Oakland Athletics will remain in the Bay Area.
The MLB commissioner told Sirius XM’s Mad Dog Unleashed podcast that the team’s efforts to get a new stadium built appear unlikely to succeed.
‘It just doesn’t look like it’s going to happen,” Manfred said (via USA Today.)
Commissioner Rob Manfred tells @MadDogUnleashed that he’s no longer optimistic the #A’s will remain in Oakland (‘It just doesn’t look like it’s going to happen’) and likely will move to Las Vegas. He believes the #Rays will stay put with a new ballpark in Tampa.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) October 29, 2022
The Athletics could not reach an agreement last month that would have built a $1 billion stadium as part of the massive Howard Terminal Project at the Port of Oakland. The ballpark would have been funded using revenue from retail and office space in the project.
Manfred’s comment contradicts what Athletics executive vice president of baseball operations Billy Beane said earlier this month about the prospects for a new stadium.
“Listen, at some point, we will have a new stadium, that’s what makes me feel good. I hope it’s within my tenure,” Beane said. “But we will, and I think the organization and the city deserve it. It’ll happen.”
The A’s proposed ballpark has drawn strong opposition and has been mired in red tape. MLB gave the franchise its blessing last year to begin searching for a new city. Las Vegas is believed to be the frontrunner if the team relocates.
On a related note, Manfred believes the Tampa Bay Rays will succeed in their efforts to have a new stadium built, which would keep the team from moving.
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.