Imagine this: The team you grew up watching in the city that you love is uprooted and moved away. All of the history, legends and championships are just memories of what was. This is the reality that Oakland, California, sports fans have faced over the past years, and the owners of these franchises are to blame.

Owners of professional sports franchises are businesspeople. They are tasked with making tough decisions that, in turn, affect the outcome on the field. It is more than just acquiring players and giving out big contracts, it is satisfying players to retain them in your franchise, keeping fans enticed and coming to games, and hiring the proper personnel to work alongside the team.

The Oakland Athletics are one of the most historic franchises in Major League Baseball (MLB). From nine World Series titles to the “Bash Bros” and the “Moneyball A’s,” the Athletics have built a legacy in baseball, but it all may get flipped on its head due to ownership-related issues. In the Athletics’ case, they were forced to say goodbye to their home at the Oakland Coliseum back in Sept. 2024. Until their new stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, is built in 2028, they will be left without a city and forced to share a home stadium with a Triple-A level team.

John Fisher, the owner of the Athletics since 2005, decided to move because the deal in Las Vegas cost less. However, there are consequences to this move from a business standpoint. Players are forced out of the city they built a name and home in, and the franchise is also at risk of losing fans in this process, as the team is relocating over eight hours away.

During the final series in Oakland, A’s fans shared their stories with the team online, showing pictures from their childhood of them attending games with their families, showing that a team is more than just a team to many fans, it is a community in a city that they love.

This expands beyond the game, as a lack of spending money is a direct sign of disrespect towards a fandom, city and team as a whole. It is an owner’s duty to spend money to keep their team successful. If a team succeeds, it brings the greater community together in celebration and keeps the players happy.

The Athletics have been notoriously known for being thrifty with their spending, going back to 2002, with the infamous run of the “Moneyball A’s.” Recently, Fisher has been heavily criticized for his lack of spending. Last season, the Athletics had the lowest payroll in the entire MLB, coming in at $60.5 million, which could explain the Athletics’ losing season and lack of attendance at the ballpark. Fans want to watch games that are entertaining; fans want to see their teams win.

Fans and players alike are incentivized when a big name gets signed, yet Fisher has not been able to acquire players that make a difference. Players want to be on a team where they have the chance to win and feel wanted, which connects to contracts. However, in the Athletics case, they are not giving out big or enticing contracts.

Fans see spending money as trying to better the team and organization. Last season, the team’s second and third-highest payrolls made it to the World Series, and while there may not be a direct correlation, the ability to acquire and retain players may help with the foundation of a strong team. If an owner wants a franchise to thrive, they must be willing to spend. For a team to succeed, they need a fearless leader (owner) who is willing to take risks and jump at opportunities. This goes for all franchises. Historically, the more willing you are to spend, the more likely you are to be in contention and sign big names.

For example, in 2009, the New York Yankees were able to secure their 27th championship title due to their productive offseason and trade deadline. They acquired “hall of famers” CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Mark Teixeira and Nick Swisher, all of who made an impact in the postseason. To have a successful run, one needs cohesive talent, and, to attract said talent, one needs to entice players with atmosphere, benefits, ability to win and, most importantly, money. Owners should not be afraid to spend money because it sets the basis of the organization, satisfying players and fans alike.