Why Athletics can't keep playing home games in Las Vegas this season

Why Athletics can’t keep playing home games in Las Vegas this season originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Athletics are two years away from their full-time home in Las Vegas, being ready to go, as the plan remains for the club to play full-time in their new destination during the 2028 season.

During the 2026 season, they’ve played two series in Las Vegas, and things have gone very well for the A’s. They’re 4-1 entering the series finale against the Colorado Rockies, and their only loss was a wild 15-14 extra-innings game vs. the Milwaukee Brewers.

But, despite the success of playing in Las Vegas this season, this series finale against the Rockies will be their last game in Las Vegas this season. But why? USA Today’s Bob Nightengale revealed the reason why this is the final game in Las Vegas in 2026.

Why A’s can’t keep playing in Las Vegas this season

“The A’s would love to play more games in Las Vegas in 2027, but are capped at six because of the lease they signed in Sacramento, requiring them to play 75 games at the Giants’ Triple-A ballpark,” Nightengale writes.

Since the A’s have a lease with the San Francisco Giants‘ Triple-A stadium, they have to return for the remainder of the 2026 season to guarantee they play the 75 games at the ballpark this season.

Even though the Las Vegas Ballpark in Summerlin South, Nevada, has been a very fun two-series stint for the Athletics this season, this Sunday’s matchup against the Rockies is the Las Vegas finale this season.

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Starting Monday, June 15, the A’s will be back in Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, as they welcome the Pittsburgh Pirates to town.

As much excitement, interest, and success as the A’s playing in Las Vegas this season has brought, they have a contractual obligation to return to Sacramento to play the minimum 75-games required as per their lease, according to Nightengale.

Even though their stint in Las Vegas recently was brief, it was very exciting, and hopefully a sign of things to come in 2028 when they officially move there once the new ballpark is completed.

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