The Oakland Athletics are a professional baseball franchise in Oakland, California, competing in the American League (AL) West division of Major League Baseball (MLB). Founded in 1901, the team boasts a storied history, having originated in Philadelphia before relocating to Kansas City and ultimately establishing itself in Oakland in 1968.
Currently, the A's host their home games at Oakland Coliseum. However, there are plans for a temporary shift to Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento from 2025 to 2027 (with an option for the 2028 season), ahead of their eventual relocation to Las Vegas. The Athletics have claimed nine World Series titles in 1910, 1911, 1913, 1929, and 1930, as well as during three consecutive years, 1972, 1973, and 1974, and again in 1989. They have accrued 15 pennants and 17 division championships throughout their existence, making them second only to the New York Yankees within the American League.
Who owns the Oakland Athletics?
John Fisher, an American businessman, is the principal owner of the Oakland Athletics of Major League Baseball. He has owned the team since 2005 and became the sole owner with a 100% stake in 2016. He initially, with Lewis Wolff, jointly purchased several Fairmont hotels in San Francisco, which ultimately led to his investment in Athletics.
Fisher and Wolff closed on their joint purchase of the team in 2005, making John Fisher the majority owner of the Athletics. He now serves as the managing general partner of the team. In November 2016, Wolff sold his 10% share in the Athletics to Fisher, giving him complete ownership of the team.
Apart from owning the Athletics, Fisher also owns the San Jose Earthquakes of Major League Soccer and the Texas Rattlers of the Professional Bull Riders organization. He previously held a stake in the San Francisco Giants, which he purchased in 1992 with his father as part of an investment group. This move was made to prevent the team from relocating to Tampa Bay, Florida. However, Fisher later sold his stake in the Giants to complete the purchase of the Athletics.
John Fisher’s role as the principal owner of the Oakland Athletics?
John Fisher serves as the owner and Managing Partner of the Oakland Athletics in Major League Baseball. Under Wolff's leadership, the team made it to the playoffs 40% of the time, with Wolff attributing this success to Billy Beane and the team's contributions.
Oakland Athletics Valuation
As per Forbes in March 2024, the Oakland Athletics' valuation is $1.2 billion.
List of Oakland Athletics owners
Here is the list of all owners of the Oakland Athletics throughout its history:
| Name | Years |
| Benjamin Shibe | 1901–1921 |
| Connie Mack | 1901–1954 |
| Earle Mack & Roy Mack | 1950–1954 |
| Arnold Johnson | 1954–1960 |
| Charles O. Finley | 1960–1980 |
| Walter A. Haas, Jr. | 1980–1995 |
| Stephen Schott & Ken Hofmann | 1995–2005 |
| Lewis Wolff | 2005-2016 |
| John J. Fisher | 2005–present |
FAQs on Oakland Athletics
A. The Oakland Athletics were founded in 1901 as the Philadelphia Athletics.
A. The Athletics have won nine World Series championships, with their most recent title in 1989.
A. The team plays at the Oakland Coliseum, though there are discussions about relocating to Las Vegas.
A. The Oakland Athletics' colors are green, gold, and white.
A. The Oakland Athletics’ manager is Mark Kotsay since 2022, as of 2024.
