The Oakland Athletics and Tampa Bay Rays each have MLB stadium deals expiring in three and five years, respectively, meaning a decision must be made soon about each club's future destination. Many have longed to see the Rays move on from Tropicana Field, a dark and gloomy domed stadium that has posted some of the lowest attendance numbers despite the club's recent success.
Meanwhile, there have been rumblings about an MLB team eventually coming to Las Vegas, with the Athletics tabbed as a possible club to make the move. On Thursday, Manfred threatened the two clubs with this ultimatum, per Evan Drellich of The Athletic.
Rob Manfred on the A's stadium quest: “There is really significant activity in Oakland. The political process has moved along significantly. I met with Mayor Schaaf last week. …California political processes are their own sort of animal."
Also: "We like Las Vegas as a market." pic.twitter.com/6YROorn4m1
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) June 16, 2022
The Athletics have averaged an MLB-low 8,283 fans. Meanwhile, the Rays have seen an average of 13,740 come through the turnstiles, ranking 25th. Manfred said that the league “needs a solution in both those markets” and that “the time has come for that solution.”
Interestingly enough, he also said that the MLB “likes Las Vegas as a market.” Whether it's Vegas, or in California, where the Athletics and the Mayor of Oakland have pushed the process forward for a potential stadium at Howard Terminal, a move is coming soon. For both teams.
It's clear that Manfred and the MLB have grown tired of the low attendance levels being posted by the Athletics and Rays. It will be interesting to see the result of Manfred's words.