A's nix Ballers' plans for independent game at Coliseum

Field Level Media|published: Thu 4th January, 17:24 2024

Sep 24, 2023; Oakland, California, USA; Fans in the outfield bleachers display homemade signs critical of the MLB Commissioner and Oakland Athletics ownership and Oakland Athletics infielder Zack Gelof (20) and outfielder Brent Rooker (25) stand on the field during the eighth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. credits: Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports

The Oakland Athletics denied a request by the independent league Oakland Ballers to play a commemorative game at the Oakland Coliseum on June 29.

Though the A's — who received MLB approval in November to relocate to Las Vegas — will be in Arizona to face the Diamondbacks on that date, they exercised their exclusive rights to play professional baseball at the Coliseum.

The Ballers, who will play their inaugural season in the Pioneer League, signed a license agreement with the Coliseum Authority and ASM Global, which runs the Coliseum for the City of Oakland and Alameda County. The Ballers will call Oakland's Laney College their home this season.

The Ballers expressed their disappointment on social media.

"Our lease was signed, deposit paid, and the below promo video was ready to go. Unfortunately, we've been informed that the A's won't let us play. We won't give up and are working to find an alternative."

In a letter to ASM Global, the A's said they were willing to work with the Coliseum Authority on celebrating and promoting professional baseball in Oakland, in other ways.

Meanwhile, questions remain about where the A's will play the 2025-27 seasons after their current Coliseum lease agreement runs out following the 2024 season.

The A's had planned a Dec. 4 event to reveal the new renderings for their Las Vegas ballpark. However, after a postponement due to the deaths of two Nevada state troopers in the line of duty, the event has yet to be rescheduled.

—Field Level Media

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