Report: A's Request to Play Some MLB Home Games Outside of Las Vegas After Relocation

In a move that could have serious financial implications on the Oakland Athletics' move to Las Vegas, the American League West team is requesting to play up to eight home games a season in neutral locations away from the future new ballpark.

Howard Stutz of the Nevada Independent reported as much this week and noted the request was part of the proposed 30-year non-relocation agreement that will be voted on by the Las Vegas Stadium Authority Board on July 18.

That is more than double the three most recent non-relocations agreements in Major League Baseball. The Miami Marlins (2009), Atlanta Braves (2014) and Texas Rangers (2017) all put a cap on the neutral-site home games per season at three.

Stutz noted having up to eight neutral-site games "could significantly undercut the financial projections presented last year when the team sought $380 million in public financing for the project."

Stadium Authority Chairman Steve Hill pointed to concerns with the bonding capacity, which stands at $120 million.

"If you eliminate 10 percent of the games that will be played at the stadium, chances are you're going to eliminate about 10 percent of that bonding capacity," he said.

Athletics President David Kaval explained the team's perspective, noting "in most years it's expected to be way less" than the cap of eight and that the idea behind it would be improving the team's brand and promotions.

It is yet another factor in the ongoing relocation situation.

Margaret Fleming of Front Office Sports noted the Athletics agreed to a deal that will allow them to play three seasons in Sacramento's Triple-A ballpark before moving into the new Las Vegas stadium that is expected to cost approximately $1.5 billion.

Fleming pointed out it still remains unclear how the stadium will be funded outside of the already approved $380 million in public funding that is currently being challenged by education advocates.