Executive Behind Failed Effort to Keep A’s in Oakland Steps Down

A key figure in the failed attempt by the A’s to build a new ballpark in Oakland, and the club’s eventual relocation, is no longer with the franchise—putting another coda on its tumultuous recent history.

Dave Kaval, A’s president since 2016, is resigning to, in his words, “explore new opportunities at the crossroads of business and government” while staying in California. His last day with the A’s will be Tuesday, and he will not be continuing with the club as it heads to Sacramento for a three-year interim stay, and then Las Vegas.

Kaval, a former president of the Earthquakes of MLS, was the public face of a highly contentious effort by the A’s to build a $12 billion ballpark and expansive mixed-use development across two sites, anchored by a new stadium at Oakland’s Howard Terminal. After multiple years of effort by the A’s and a “Rooted in Oakland” slogan championed by Kaval, the plan failed to secure key approvals, as he frequently battled with local leaders. In November 2023, MLB owners approved the club’s bid to relocate to Las Vegas in November 2023— ultimately ending 57 seasons of A’s history in Oakland.

“As we look ahead to the next chapter of our franchise, the team will continue to grow under leadership, driving the organization toward success during our interim years in West Sacramento and at our new home in Las Vegas,” said A’s owner John Fisher. 

Sandy Dean, a longtime business partner of the Fisher family, is serving as interim president while a search will begin in the new year. 

The club is now working to make the best of a challenging situation in Sacramento, playing in an outdoor, minor league ballpark subject to extreme summer heat. Las Vegas officials, meanwhile, recently made key approvals on the planned $1.75 billion ballpark along the famed Las Vegas Strip. The A’s are also temporarily playing without any geographic signifier before their nickname.