While there seemed to be some solid traction and momentum building for the Athletics’ franchise to move from Oakland to a new home in Las Vegas, a new hiccup in the process has the deal in limbo.
Nevada lawmakers adjourned their four-month legislative session without voting on the A’s stadium bill for the city of Las Vegas, leaving the status for the contentious bill uncertain after they failed to advance it prior to a midnight deadline, according to ESPN.
The proposal could potentially be considered in a special legislative session at a date to be determined later and lawmakers could later vote on the bill.
It’s a major blow to the efforts, as lawmakers also failed to pass one of the five major budget bills that included over $1 billion to fund capital improvement projects that fund state public works and construction which could now be considered for a special session.
The A’s reached an agreement with Bally’s and Gaming & Leisure Properties to build a potential stadium along the Las Vegas Strip last month, and it seemed to be a big boost for a franchise that has struggled to work with the city of Oakland for the last few years, particularly on a new stadium.
The Athletics have a lease at Oakland Coliseum through 2024 and could play the 2025 and ’26 seasons at Las Vegas Ballpark, home to their Triple-A affiliate and MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said on the A’s move to Las Vegas could take place when owners meet June 13th-15th in New York.
Per the report, the majority of the public funding for the $1.5 billion retractable roof stadium would come from $380 million in public assistance, partly through $180 million in transferable tax credits and $120 million in county bonds — taxpayer-backed loans to help finance projects and a special tax district around the stadium. Backers have pledged the district will generate enough money to pay off those bonds and interest.