Athletics' New Las Vegas Ballpark Costs Soar by $250 Million

The projected cost for the Oakland Athletics' new Las Vegas ballpark has increased by $250 million, bringing the total to $1.75 billion. Despite the rise in expenses, team owner John Fisher is expected to cover his portion of the funding.

According to a letter from U.S. Bank senior vice president Stephen Vogel to the Las Vegas stadium authority, Fisher and his family have ample financial resources to manage the equity portion of the capital structure for the new stadium. Fisher, whose net worth is estimated at $3.2 billion, remains committed to the project.

"We conclude that the Fisher family and their related entities have financial assets [excluding their interest in the Athletics Major League Baseball franchise] more than sufficient to fund the equity portion of the proposed capital structure for the Athletics' Las Vegas stadium," Vogel wrote.

The funding plan includes loans from U.S. Bank and Goldman Sachs amounting to $300 million, with an additional $380 million coming from the public sector, as reported by Front Office Sports.

While Fisher is actively seeking minority equity investors, he has not yet disclosed how the remaining project costs will be financed. However, he has assured that he and his family will contribute up to $1.1 billion.

Initially estimated at $1.5 billion, the ballpark's costs have increased due to enhancements in fan and player amenities, including upgraded suite spaces.

Construction of the new stadium is scheduled to begin next spring, with the Athletics aiming for an Opening Day 2028 debut. In the interim, the team will play its home games at Sutter Health Park, a minor league stadium in Sacramento, California, with a seating capacity of approximately 14,000 fans.

​The Athletics had called Oakland home since 1968, but the decision to relocate to Las Vegas came after failed negotiations with the city on terms for building a new stadium in the Bay Area. This move marks a significant shift for the franchise as it embarks on a new chapter in Las Vegas.