> At a Glance
> – The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office denied the A’s bid to trademark “Las Vegas Athletics” and “Vegas Athletics” on Dec. 29
> – The club has three months to seek an extension and refile within six months
> – Officials ruled “Athletics” too generic and potentially confusing
> – Why it matters: The decision could delay or complicate the team’s full rebranding ahead of its planned 2028 move to Nevada
The Oakland A’s march toward Las Vegas hit a legal speed bump when federal officials rejected trademark applications for the names the team hoped to use after relocating.
Trademark Setback Explained
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued the refusals on Dec. 29, noting the nickname “Athletics” could be confused with general sporting activities. The club has until late March to request an extension and six months total to file a revised application.
Despite the ruling, the A’s have used the “Athletics” moniker since the original Philadelphia Athletics took the field in 1901. The name survived moves to Kansas City in 1955 and Oakland in 1968.
Stadium Buildout Stays on Track
Construction continues on a $2 billion, 33,000-seat ballpark on the Las Vegas Strip. Club officials told the Las Vegas Stadium Authority on Dec. 4 the facility remains scheduled to open for the 2028 season.
Public funding breakdown:
- Nevada and Clark County: up to $380 million
- Team: remaining balance
- Owner John Fisher is seeking outside investors
Roster Spending Signals Commitment
While legal issues simmer, the front office has locked up core talent:
- Tyler Soderstrom: $86 million, seven-year deal (richest in club history), signed Dec. 30
- Jeff McNeil: acquired from the Mets on Dec. 22
- Brent Rooker: $60 million, five-year contract (last offseason)
- Lawrence Butler: $65.5 million, seven-year deal (last offseason)
- Mark Kotsay: managerial extension through 2028 with club option for 2029
The team currently plays as the “Athletics” in West Sacramento for the first of three planned seasons in the city’s Triple-A ballpark.
Key Takeaways
- Trademark refusal gives the A’s a six-month window to craft a new application
- Stadium construction and player contracts indicate the relocation remains full speed ahead
- Generic nickname concerns echo recent NHL rejection of “Yetis” for Utah’s franchise
- Legal branding hurdles don’t affect 2028 timeline for Las Vegas debut
