LAS VEGAS — The Oakland Athletics’ bid to trademark “Las Vegas Athletics” and “Vegas Athletics” has been temporarily stalled by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, raising questions about the team’s branding as it prepares for a move to Nevada in 2028. The decision, issued Dec. 29, highlights the challenges of establishing a new identity in a competitive market.
A’s Branding Faces Uphill Battle
The team has three months to appeal the decision or file a new application.
- The A’s were informed that the nickname “Athletics” is too broad and could cause confusion.
- The team has until March 29 to request an extension to file a revised application.
- The Patent and Trademark Office recently denied a similar request from a new NHL team in Utah.
- Oakland is currently playing as simply “Athletics” while temporarily located in West Sacramento, California.
- Significant investments are being made in player contracts as the team prepares for the Las Vegas move.
The Patent and Trademark Office determined the moniker “Athletics” was too generic, potentially leading to confusion with other activities, even when linked to Las Vegas. This is despite the nickname’s long history, dating back to the Philadelphia Athletics’ founding in 1901, and its continuation through moves to Kansas City in 1955 and Oakland in 1968. The A’s have a limited window to respond, with three months from the Dec. 29 refusal date to request an extension for a new application within six months.
This isn’t an isolated case. On Jan. 9, the Patent and Trademark Office also rejected the NHL’s new Utah team’s attempt to use “Yetis” as a nickname, citing potential conflicts with companies like Yeti Coolers. The Utah team, which relocated from the Phoenix area in 2024, now goes by “Mammoth.”
Currently playing as the “Athletics” while temporarily based in West Sacramento, California, the team is completing the first of three seasons at the city’s Triple-A ballpark. A $2 billion, 33,000-seat stadium is under construction on the Las Vegas Strip, with club officials assuring the Las Vegas Stadium Authority on Dec. 4 that it remains on schedule for a 2028 opening.
Public funding for the ballpark totals up to $380 million from Nevada and Clark County, with the A’s responsible for the remaining costs. Team owner John Fisher is actively seeking investors to help finance the project.
Despite the trademark hurdle, the A’s are investing in their future on the field. On Dec. 30, left fielder Tyler Soderstrom signed an $86 million, seven-year contract – the richest in team history – and officially signed the deal at the A’s Experience Center in Las Vegas.
The team has also been active in trades, acquiring second baseman Jeff McNeil from the New York Mets on Dec. 22. Prior to that, last offseason saw agreements reached for a $60 million, five-year contract with designated hitter/outfielder Brent Rooker and a $65.5 million, seven-year deal with outfielder Lawrence Butler. Manager Mark Kotsay also received a contract extension through 2028, with a club option for 2029.
