MLB and Oakland discuss expansion team in exchange for extended Athletics Coliseum lease

Negotiations between MLB and Oakland have reportedly taken place, centering around the city"s potential to secure an expansion team if it grants the A"s a prolonged lease at the Coliseum.

The Coliseum has been the A"s home ballpark since the team moved to the Bay Area in 1968.

As of now, the A"s lease at the Coliseum is set to expire after the 2024 MLB season. With the A"s planning to inaugurate their new ballpark in Las Vegas by 2028, the team faces the task of finding a temporary home for the 2025, 2026, and 2027 seasons.

Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao has previously articulated that the A"s would need to provide something substantial to the city in exchange for an extended lease. This could involve a guaranteed expansion team or maintaining the rights to the A"s name and branding in the Bay Area.

While the A"s plans for the years 2025 and beyond remain uncertain, it"s reported that Sacramento is emerging as the leading contender to host the A"s for the 2025 to 2027 seasons.

If finalized, the team would play its home games at Sutter Health Park, the current home of the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats, an affiliate of the San Francisco Giants.