When a sports team announces that it will be moving to another city, fans often feel a sense of hopelessness. This feeling is only exacerbated when the league approves the move, as it recently did with the Oakland A’s relocation to Las Vegas. However, there is always a glimmer of hope that the owner’s incompetence might lead to the whole plan falling apart.
John Fisher, the owner of the A’s, may just be that incompetent owner. The team was supposed to unveil renderings of their new stadium in Vegas on December 4th, but it was postponed for unspecified reasons. A month has passed, and there has been no news of a rescheduled unveiling. One can’t help but wonder if the lack of interest from potential investors is causing the delay.
Reports suggest that the A’s have been showing the stadium drawings to private parties, particularly casinos that may be willing to invest in the project. However, it seems that no one has taken the bait. Moving a team to the smallest market in the league and to the middle of the desert for a summer sport doesn’t seem like a winning proposition to anyone with a functioning brain.
If anyone is likely to fail in securing the necessary funds for the move, it’s Fisher. He has a track record of mismanagement and incompetence, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he falls short of the $1.1 billion required for the deal. The Vegas legislature may try to come up with more proposals and bills to salvage the situation, but Fisher’s ineptitude could still be its downfall.
In other sports news, a controversial penalty call in a World Juniors hockey game has drawn criticism. The call, which was downgraded from a major penalty to a minor one, has raised suspicions of favoritism towards the host team. Meanwhile, the World Juniors Championship continues to entertain, with Canadian fans providing some comedic relief as they take the tournament way too seriously.
On a more positive note, the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has kicked off in Toronto and Ottawa with great enthusiasm. Despite some initial challenges, the league has started strong, attracting fans to games and setting attendance records. Women’s sports continue to grow and thrive, providing a platform for talented athletes to showcase their skills.
In the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), Gotham FC, the reigning champion, is making big moves in the free agency period. The team has signed notable USWNT veterans and could potentially add more star players. This shift in power dynamics within the league could be exciting for fans and may lead to increased viewership and ticket sales.
Ultimately, fans want to see their favorite teams succeed and witness exciting competition. Whether it’s hoping for a failed relocation, enjoying the drama of penalty calls, celebrating the growth of women’s sports, or witnessing powerhouse teams in action, sports fans always find something to keep their hope alive.
