> At a Glance
> – The U.S. Patent Office rejected the A’s bids to trademark both “Las Vegas Athletics” and “Vegas Athletics”
> – The club has until late March to request an extension and six months to file a corrected application
> – Officials ruled “Athletics” too generic and likely to be confused with other activities
> – Why it matters: The denial could delay or complicate the team’s full rebrand ahead of its planned 2028 Las Vegas debut
The Athletics’ road to Las Vegas hit a bureaucratic pothole after the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office refused the club’s attempt to lock down its future name.
Trademark Troubles
The refusals, issued on Dec. 29, cite the nickname “Athletics” as too descriptive and risk confusion with unrelated activities. The team has used the moniker since the Philadelphia Athletics debuted in 1901, retaining it through moves to Kansas City and Oakland.
- Three-month window to seek extension expires in late March
- Six-month total allowed to re-file a new application
- Club currently playing as plain “Athletics” in West Sacramento
Ballpark Builds Amid Uncertainty
Construction on a $2 billion, 33,000-seat retractable-roof stadium on the Las Vegas Strip remains on schedule for a 2028 opening. Nevada and Clark County have pledged up to $380 million in public funds, with ownership covering the rest; John Fisher is courting investors.
| Project Element | Approved Funding |
|---|---|
| Public contribution | Up to $380 M |
| Total ballpark cost | $2 billion |
| Target opening | 2028 season |
Despite the naming snag, the front office continues to spend. Over the past two winters the A’s have:
- Signed Tyler Soderstrom to a record $86 M, seven-year deal on Dec. 30
- Acquired second baseman Jeff McNeil from the Mets on Dec. 22
- Extended manager Mark Kotsay through 2028 with a club option for 2029
- Committed $60 M to Brent Rooker and $65.5 M to Lawrence Butler
Key Takeaways
- Trademark denial gives the A’s six months to craft a new application
- Stadium construction continues on time for 2028
- Recent multi-million-dollar contracts signal long-term Las Vegas commitment
The club must now decide whether to appeal, tweak its branding, or pursue a new nickname altogether before opening day in the desert.
