The Oakland Athletics have encountered an obstacle in their branding efforts related to their planned relocation to Las Vegas in 2028, as the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has, for the time being, refused to approve their trademark applications for the names "Las Vegas Athletics" and "Vegas Athletics."
These refusals were officially issued on December 29, marking the beginning of a three-month period during which the Athletics organization may request an extension to submit new applications within an ensuing six-month window. The USPTO’s primary rationale provided for rejecting the trademarks centers on the "Athletics" nickname being deemed too generic. Additionally, the office expressed concerns that the term could be confused with other activities or entities, despite the geographic tags referencing Las Vegas.
This is notable because "Athletics" has historically been the franchise’s nickname, dating back to its origins as the Philadelphia Athletics established in 1901. The team carried the moniker through its relocations to Kansas City in 1955 and then to Oakland in 1968. Presently, while operating in West Sacramento, California, the Athletics exclusively use "Athletics" as their team name during their stint at the local Triple-A ballpark. This period is envisioned as a transitional phase before their eventual move to Nevada.
The trademark complication faced by the A's is reminiscent of a recent situation concerning the National Hockey League’s Utah franchise, originally from the Phoenix area. On January 9, the USPTO denied the NHL team's application for the name "Yetis," citing confusion risks with existing brands such as Yeti Coolers. As a result, Utah adopted the nickname "Mammoth."
Separately, the Athletics organization is actively progressing with infrastructure planning for their new home. Construction is underway on a $2 billion stadium situated on the Las Vegas Strip, boasting a seating capacity of approximately 33,000. Officials informed the Las Vegas Stadium Authority on December 4 that the ballpark's development remains on schedule, targeting completion in time for the 2028 Major League Baseball season kickoff.
Public financing has been incorporated into the project, with Nevada state and Clark County authorities committing up to $380 million to support the stadium’s costs. The remaining financial responsibilities are to be borne by the Athletics team themselves. Owner John Fisher has also been engaged in efforts to source additional investors to supplement funding.
In preparation for the relocation, the Athletics have undertaken significant roster and management commitments. One of the latest developments includes signing left fielder Tyler Soderstrom to a record contract in franchise history: a seven-year deal worth $86 million, finalized on December 30 at the Athletics Experience Center located in Las Vegas.
Earlier acquisitions include a trade for second baseman Jeff McNeil from the New York Mets as of December 22. Furthermore, from the previous offseason, the Athletics secured multi-year contracts with designated hitter/outfielder Brent Rooker for $60 million over five years, and outfielder Lawrence Butler for $65.5 million covering seven years. Manager Mark Kotsay extended his tenure through 2028, with an option for the 2029 season.
Overall, the Athletics franchise is aligning its infrastructure, personnel, and brand identity for the upcoming transition to Las Vegas, although the trademark status of their preferred names remains pending within administrative review timelines.