The Oakland A's have a rich and storied history in the world of baseball. However, with their impending move, the question on everyone's mind is: what will the Oakland A's be called in 2025? This isn't just a matter of semantics; a team's name is deeply intertwined with its identity, fan base, and marketing potential.
The Impending Move
The Oakland A's are set to leave their long - time home in Oakland. After the 2024 season, as their lease at the Oakland Coliseum expires, they will relocate to West Sacramento's Sutter Health Park for the next three MLB seasons, with an option for a fourth. This is just a temporary stop before they ultimately move to a stadium on the Las Vegas Strip, which is expected to open as early as 2027, with the team planning to move in by 2028.
Current Indications
According to various reports, during their time in Sacramento from 2025 - 2027, the team will simply be known as "the Athletics" and "the A's". This decision makes sense from a practical standpoint. Given that it's an interim period, doing a complete rebranding for just three (or potentially four) years might not be cost - effective. The team's president, Dave Kaval, has also hinted at this, stating that they will play as the Athletics during this time. He further added that they will find ways, especially through their uniforms, to honor Sacramento.
Trademark Filings
The franchise has reportedly filed trademarks for "Sacramento Athletics" and "Sacramento A's", as per trademark attorney Josh Gerben, the founder and principal of Gerben IP. These filings suggest that the team is at least considering these names for the future, whether during their Sacramento stint or even after they move to Las Vegas. It could be that they are protecting these names in case they decide to rebrand in the future, or it could be an indication of a more concrete plan.
Uniform and Logo Considerations
The team's current uniforms and logos are closely tied to the Oakland name. Their road and Kelly alternate jerseys have "Oakland" on the chest, and their primary logo says "Oakland A's". These will presumably need to be updated. Since a full - scale design overhaul might not be in the cards for the Sacramento years, it's likely that the team will keep its color scheme and the basic "A's" jerseys. However, they may introduce some Sacramento - themed elements, perhaps through patches or alternate uniforms. When it comes to the Las Vegas move, a more comprehensive rebranding could occur. Las Vegas is known for its glitz and glamour, and the team might want to adopt a name and logo that reflects the city's unique character.
Fan Sentiment
Fan sentiment plays a crucial role in a team's name decision. Oakland A's fans have a deep emotional connection to the team and its current name. Some fans may be disappointed if the name changes completely, while others may be more open to a new identity that reflects the team's new location. The team will need to balance the need to appeal to new fans in Sacramento and Las Vegas with the desire to keep their existing fan base engaged.
In conclusion, while the Oakland A's will likely be known as "the Athletics" or "the A's" during their time in Sacramento in 2025, the future beyond that remains uncertain. The trademark filings for Sacramento - related names and the eventual move to Las Vegas leave the door wide open for a potential name change. Only time will tell what the team will ultimately be called, but one thing is for sure: the name change, if it occurs, will be a significant moment in the franchise's history.