The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has denied Company A’s attempt to trademark the names “Las Vegas Athletics” and “Vegas Athletics.” The team, which plans to relocate to Nevada in 2028, will request an extension within three months of the December 29 denial and aims to file a new application within six months. The denial cited that the term “Athletics” is too generic and might be confused with other activities, including those related to Las Vegas. However, the nickname has a long history, dating back to the Philadelphia Athletics in 1901, and persisted through moves to Kansas City in 1955 and Oakland in 1968.
Similarly, on January 9, the Patent and Trademark Office rejected Utah’s NHL team’s “Yeti” nickname due to potential conflicts with brands like Yeti Coolers; the team now goes by “Mammoth.” Recently, the Athletics moved to West Sacramento, California, where they are playing their first of three seasons at a Triple-A ballpark, still operating under the “Athletics” name. A $2 billion stadium with a 33,000-seat capacity is being built on the Las Vegas Strip, set to open on schedule for the 2028 season. Nevada and Clark County have approved up to $380 million in public funding for the stadium, with the Athletics covering the remainder. Owner John Fisher is seeking investors to help finance the project.
In preparation for the move, the Athletics have secured significant player deals: Tyler Soderstrom agreed to a seven-year, $86 million contract—the most lucrative in team history—which he signed at the A’s Experience Center in Las Vegas on December 30. The team also acquired second baseman Jeff McNeil from the New York Mets on December 22. Last offseason, the Athletics signed designated hitter/outfielder Brent Rooker to a five-year, $60 million deal and outfielder Lawrence Butler to a seven-year, $65.5 million contract. Manager Mark Kossais extended his contract through 2028, with an option for 2029.
Fan Take: This trademark setback highlights the challenges teams face in preserving their heritage while innovating their brand identity. For baseball fans, the Athletics’ move to Las Vegas and ongoing investments signal a thrilling new chapter, promising to reshape the sport’s presence in a major entertainment market.
