The Nevada Senate did not vote on a final proposal to finance a bill using up to $380 million in public money to pay for a new stadium for the Oakland A’s in Las Vegas. The proposed stadium figures to cost around $1.5 billion.
Republican Governor Loe Lombardo is fervent about the group giving the public money. The problem with the deal is many Democratic lawmakers are against it.
Why John Fisher Has to Have Public Money:
People forget that MLB stated they will waive the $300 million relocation fee only if the A’s get a deal using public money. It’s hard to see Fisher moving anywhere without it because he doesn’t want to be stuck with that cost.
The State of the A’s On The Field:
The A’s are one of the few teams that have made money every year since 2000. Their payroll is always in the bottom third and according to MLB.com, they are ranked 22nd out of 30 MLB teams in minor league rankings. Many have said they have more quantity than quality. That isn’t exactly silver lining material.
The City of Oakland & Howard Terminal:
If Fisher has blown off the city of Oakland like Mark Davis admitted he did, Oakland may be out of luck. New Oakland mayor Theng Shao stated that all is clear for the stadium to be built at Howards Terminal but it’s not. Most of the permits have been obtained but there is still work to do. The A’s have to restart negotiations with the Port Authority as well.
She has also called Nevada politicians and unions ripping on the A’s and the deal. Then she says she is open to talking if someone will call her. John Fisher is not calling Oakland after they helped ruin a deal he made in Vegas. Oakland is going to have to call him.
What Happens Now:
The bottom line is that MLB is tired of watching the A’s make money every year without putting much into other teams' pockets. They want them to have a new stadium and the more money they make the more they can share.
The Nevada and Senate Assembly are adjourned until Monday. The Governor insists this has to go through so a fight is still ahead. Oakland is waiting for the A’s to re-engage. What they should be doing is finalizing the Howard Terminal deal. Oakland needs to realize if Vegas falls through, that doesn't mean they won't move elsewhere.
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