The Oakland Athletics and how not to run a franchise, featuring the Golden Knights
The Oakland Athletics aren't making any friends in the sports world. Here's what they can learn from the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Vegas Golden Knights have been one of the most successful franchises in the past decade. They've made two Stanley Cup Final appearances, won a Stanley Cup, and have the best postseason winning percentage (60%). Yes, the last bit seems like a stretch to report. However, being a huge success in your first seven seasons should warrant discussion as being an incredible franchise.
Sadly, it seems the Oakland Athletics didn't get the memo. With their proposed relocation to Las Vegas in 2028, the team has already ruffled some feathers in Sin City. The baseball organization proposed playing seven neutral-site games away from their new home, hoping to "boost" their brand. Surely, that would go over well with the public, right?
The Oakland Athletics are facing pushback on the number of home games they could play away from Las Vegas should they relocate. https://t.co/QqPFlPqEXm
— KSNV News 3 Las Vegas (@News3LV) June 6, 2024
Tell them, Arnold.
Apparently, not. The news caused massive pushback from fans and Las Vegas citizens alike, with people questioning owner John Fisher's motives. With another publicly funded stadium on the horizon, the Oakland Athletics are trying (unsuccessfully) to duplicate their former Bay Area brethren's relocation. Mind you, the Raiders have a fan base that spans the entire country, with the Black Hole going coast-to-coast.
Compare that to the Vegas Golden Knights, who started their franchise organically. With owner Bill Foley building an arena without any public funds, the team established goodwill within the community. In fact, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has latched onto the city's success, bringing numerous events to Las Vegas. That includes this year's NHL Draft, which will be held at the Sphere.
So what can the Golden Knights teach the hapless Oakland Athletics and John Fisher about running a franchise? People are starting to sour on the idea of another Bay Area team coming over, with this franchise's baggage becoming heavier by the day. Here are some lessons for the baseball team, courtesy of Vegas's on-ice team.
The Vegas Golden Knights are about bringing in the biggest stars
If the most recent trade deadline was any indication, the Vegas Golden Knights showed they're not afraid of taking a plunge. By acquiring Noah Hanifin and Tomas Hertl, the team was banking on building off last season's Stanley Cup success and for the future. Although they weren't successful, the organization has the pieces needed for the long run.
The moves benefited the team in numerous ways, adding more scoring bite and power play strength. But Vegas is no stranger to adding big names, with their trade for Jack Eichel on November 4, 2021, proving this point. The result? Their first Stanley Cup victory in franchise history with a memorable parade.
Compare that to the John Fisher-led Oakland Athletics, who've traded various budding superstars under the guise of "Moneyball." Many names come to mind in recent years, including Matt Chapman, Matt Olson, Sean Manaea, and Marcus Semien. The result? No World Series titles and a relocation that Fisher and Rob Manfred are trying desperately to shoehorn.
Las Vegas residents aren't getting the Los Angeles Dodgers or New York Yankees with their relocation. They're possibly gaining a team that cuts corners and doesn't hand out contracts to their most prized stars. Fisher can learn from Bill Foley and company that building trust starts with keeping viable talent in the town.
Teaching the Oakland Athletics about basic operations
T-Mobile Arena is more than a privately funded space for the Vegas Golden Knights. It's also the home of numerous UFC events, where Dana White has established the venue as the promotion's de facto home. The success has been overwhelming, with the upcoming UFC 303 event shattering gate records.
Even the Raiders have relished in Allegiant Stadium's success, with the Super Bowl being the most recent home run. Overall, the event's build-up brought in fan interest across the globe, with Mark Davis and the NFL teaming up to bring a memorable showcase. In short, it led to the highest-rated Super Bowl in the NFL's history.
Meanwhile, John Fisher barely touched the Oakland Coliseum in recent years. That has resulted in numerous problems, including sewage issues and malfunctioning lights. These faults span over a decade, with the owner finding any excuse not to fix the timeless stadium.
The Golden Knights can teach Fisher about making their new facility a top-notch event hub. That includes having a sleek design and providing timely upgrades to various issues. Las Vegas citizens want the best for their city and go beyond just bringing bull riding events to the proposed venue.
Improving the fan experience
Fans want to be treated to an authentic experience at every sporting event they attend. Whether it's getting a pre-game show with theatrical production value or an awesome hype-up video, people love being entertained. That's been the business for the Vegas Golden Knights since their inception, bringing a mini-live show before every hockey game.
In turn, it's made Lee Orchard a beloved figure in the community. It also turned the Golden Knights into a must-see spectacle, with fans filling T-Mobile Arena every game. That's to the tune of 103.6% capacity, the second-highest in the NHL this season.
It isn't just the pre-game festivities that make Vegas a sports attraction. It's also the team itself, with beloved figures such as Jonathan Marchessault and Mark Stone. It's the Battle for Vegas, an annual event that pits the Las Vegas hockey team against the Raiders.
While the Oakland Athletics have made some strides to build goodwill in the community, it also means improving the team and making a conscious effort to entertain and give back (and win). No more pocketing the money off a front office gimmick. It's time for John Fisher and company to spend money or sell the team.
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