The A’s Already Have A Built-In Exit Clause To Leave Las Vegas

The Oakland A's haven't even moved to Las Vegas yet, and they already have a built-in way to move again. 

The Los Angeles Times reported on a little-noticed clause in the stadium agreement that the Nevada legislature passed to bring the A's to Las Vegas. And it essentially allows the A's to leave earlier than the previously reported on a 30-year commitment time frame. The Times spoke to Martin J. Greenberg, a sports law professor and expert in Major League Baseball relocation.

"That is not a normal clause in these things," Greenberg said, according to the Times. "The whole object of this is to keep the team at home."

Effectively, the agreement allows the A's to leave before the 30-year timeframe is up…if they are taxed in a different way to other businesses.

"It is a targeted tax clause that says if they are taxed in a way that is different than the way other businesses are taxed, they have the option to leave," Erica Johnson, director of communications for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, told the Times.

What now?

Oakland - The stadium reads "Rooted in Oakland" before a May 2018 game against the Los Angeles Angels at Oakland Coliseum. Photo: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The A's Franchise Hasn't Earned Trust

Essentially, Las Vegas charges an entertainment tax for live shows; when you see a performance at a casino, you're charged a 9 percent tax. The Las Vegas Raiders though, aren't charged that same rate. And the A's won't be either. 

But if something changes, for whatever reason, the A's could bolt yet again.

It might sound like a long shot; an easily avoidable hurdle. But things change, especially over 30 years. Especially considering that local jurisdictions could earn $5 million to $7 million per year in extra revenue from charging a surtax on ticket sales.

And the A's haven't exactly earned the trust of local officials or fans that they won't move again. 

Who knows, maybe they'll fall in love with their new, temporary minor league stadium in Sacramento and move back there. Minor league organizations invest about the same in salaries that the A's do anyway.