Steve Starr
- BetUS has posted odds on whether the Oakland Athletics will relocate and what city they could move to
- Oddsmakers expect the MLB club to stay in the Bay Area (-260) but Las Vegas (+150) is viewed as the likeliest alternative
- Nashville (+750) seems ripe for baseball but the city may be targeting the Tampa Bay Rays instead
Last week, Major League Baseball said the Oakland Athletics could explore other cities if local government officials don’t approve a new stadium as part of a $12 billion waterfront development project.
When the A’s last won the World Series in 1989, the Oakland Coliseum was already 23 years old so it’s understandable the club would want a new park, but many believe the threat to leave is just part of the negotiation. In fact, oddsmakers made the Athletics a -260 favorite to stay in Oakland.
However, what city might the franchise end up in if they do flee the Bay Area? Before looking at the latest odds below, be sure to check out our MLB 2021 betting guide for further wagering tips and advice.
Where Will Oakland Athletics Relocate?
 |
|
| Las Vegas | +150 |
| Montreal | +375 |
| Portland | +500 |
| Nashville | +750 |
| Charlotte | +800 |
| Vancouver | +1200 |
| Louisville | +1200 |
| Sacramento | +1200 |
| San Antonio | +1600 |
| San Jose | +1600 |
| Oklahoma City | +1800 |
Viva Las Vegas
Having already stolen the Oakland Raiders, why not lay out the red carpet for the A’s? Las Vegas (+150) is the heavy favorite as of now, but there are a few strikes against the idea. Namely, it’s a small media market and dreadfully hot in the summer. Would they really be able to draw fans (even if they are tourists) 81 times per year?
Montreal (+375) could also be heavily in the mix. The Expos were in the MLB’s National League from 1969 through 2004 before relocating to Washington DC and becoming the Nationals before the 2005 season. Two years ago, it was also rumored that the Tampa Bay Rays may move half their home games to Montreal, so we know there’s interest from the city in bringing back baseball.
If the Athletics move, it probably won’t be to Nashville. However, the Music City could capitalize off of a move. @MikeOrganWriter explains. https://t.co/EnBpaGmbfj
— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) May 12, 2021
Portland (+500) has proven it can support pro sports teams and has plenty of corporate money in town (especially if Nike gets involved). However, it’s also a small media market and the Seattle Mariners likely wouldn’t appreciate another Pacific coast team moving in on their turf.
Not Yet Nashville
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred recently included Nashville (+750) as a potential expansion site along with Portland, Montreal, Vancouver (+1200) and Charlotte (+800). As a top market in the South, Nashville seems like an ideal locale for Major League Baseball, but John Loar, executive director of Music City Baseball, a group trying to bring a major league franchise to the city, doesn’t believe Oakland will relocate to Nashville.
He believes the Tampa Bay Rays, who like Oakland want a new stadium deal, would be more likely to move to Tennessee because it’s an East Coast team, leaving Las Vegas as the perfect West Coast suitor for the Athletics.
While we believe the club will stay put in Oakland, the Gambling Capital of the World is the best bet if the franchise does move.
See below the top sportsbooks where you can wager online and choose the best one for you:
