How The Oakland Athletics Move To Vegas Could Impact The XFL’s Vegas Vipers

Did the XFL know something we did not know when they decided to place a team in Las Vegas? On Wednesday, the Oakland Athletics announced their relocation to the Las Vegas Strip.

According to the New York Times:

“The Oakland Athletics have agreed to acquire land near the Las Vegas Strip and announced on Wednesday their plans to play in a new billion-dollar retractable roof stadium at the site by 2027.”

The Vegas Vipers currently share Cashman Field with the Las Vegas Lights FC of the USL Championship, and their agreement with the XFL lasts for two years.

Las Vegas already boasts NHL and and NFL team, and there were discussions in November about Major League Soccer (MLS) considering Las Vegas and San Diego for expansion franchises.

“Major League Soccer plans to finalize its 30th team ‘sometime in the first half’ of 2023, Commissioner Don Garber”

The Las Vegas Sun reports:

“Las Vegas remains a prime expansion candidate for Major League Soccer.”

With the Oakland A’s constructing a new stadium and the possibility of MLS adding a team, a new facility would be required. This would present the Vipers with two options in the coming years. Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders, could also be a possibility.

The ideal scenario involves MLS building a new stadium in Las Vegas, similar to the DC Defenders‘ setup at Audi Field. Regardless, if the XFL can secure a spot in any of these new stadiums, it could be an excellent long-term move.

Although the Vegas Vipers had the lowest attendance in the XFL the city does have appetite for professional sports. The Las Vegas Raiders (NFL) and the Vegas Golden Knights (NHL) have some of the highest attendance rates. With a better stadium to play games, the XFL’s Vipers could go from the lowest attendance in the XFL to on par with DC or even St Louis, depending on where they play their games in a couple years.