Oakland Roots officials defended the club’s finances and future plans Friday during a special meeting focused on nearly $1.4 million in overdue rent and fees owed to the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Authority.
The meeting came amid an ongoing dispute over the team’s lease at the Oakland Coliseum, where the Roots are scheduled to play Saturday. The Coliseum Authority previously rejected a payment plan submitted by the club and has sought additional assurances that the debt will be repaid.
“I was duped,” said Coliseum Authority Executive Director Henry Gardner.
“I’m really disappointed,” added Coliseum Authority Commissioner Ken Houston.
“We need some guarantees behind this so we know we will be left hoping the bag,” said Coliseum Authority Commissioner David Newton.
The Roots owe nearly $1.4 million in overdue rent, according to the Authority. Officials said the payment plan previously submitted by the club relied on future revenue and prospective investors.
“Their payment plan would be based on projected revenues that we have not seen at this moment. And would be based on prospective investors,” Gardner said.
“They need to come up with a real plan and not some prospective investors,” he added. “They need to lay it out and here’s how we plan to pay you.”
RELATED: Oakland Roots will play at Coliseum Saturday despite owing $1.4 million in overdue rent
The Coliseum Authority is seeking a flat advance payment for each remaining home match this season plus additional fees.
During Thursday’s meeting, Oakland Roots President Lindsay Barenz attributed the financial difficulties in part to high operating costs and revenue limitations at the stadium.
“We do not receive any revenues from our games other than the tickets we sell. So concession, parking, we don’t see that revenue,” Barenz said.
Several community leaders urged the authority to work with the club.
“Keep the roots here in Oakland. To keep them here in the stadium and to keep the arena active,” said Oakland City Councilmember Noel Gallo.
Coliseum Authority Commissioner David Haubert said allowing the team to continue playing could help generate revenue needed to address the debt.
“Their revenue comes from playing games. If they don’t play, then they can’t pay,” Haubert said.
The authority did not reach a final resolution and instead directed a smaller committee to continue negotiations and review the agreement.
“They have a small committee to go over the agreement to see what we can do to move forward and keep the roots here in Oakland,” said Commissioner David Newton. “We need to keep the roots and we need other professional teams here.”
MORE: Oakland leaders vote to sell city’s 50% ownership stake in Coliseum complex
While the team is expected to leave the Coliseum after this season and is seeking a new home in Oakland for next year, its immediate future at the venue remains uncertain.
Barenz said the organization remains focused on the upcoming match Saturday.
“We’re really excited to have a game here this Saturday,” she said. “Just that we hope the fans come out. That is the best way to support the Oakland roots.”
After Saturday’s match, the Roots have five games remaining this season. Their next scheduled home game is Aug. 15.
Oakland Roots' future at Oakland Coliseum
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