Soaring Expenses of A's Vegas Stadium Reach $2 Billion, Indicating an Uncertain Future
John Fisher, owner of Major League Baseball's Oakland Athletics, has admitted that the cost of building a new stadium in Las Vegas has escalated, now estimated to be over $2 billion. This makes the proposed project the most expensive non-gaming construction in Las Vegas history, surpassing the $1.9 billion Allegiant Stadium.
The stadium, with a capacity of approximately 33,000 seats, was originally projected to cost $1.5 billion. However, the estimate has risen significantly. In late 2024, it was increased to $1.75 billion, and by mid-2025, it had risen further to over $2 billion.
While the detailed breakdown of funding arrangements for the project is not yet clear, it is known that only $350 million in bonds issued by Clark County and the state, and a $300 million construction loan from US Bank and Goldman Sachs, have been announced.
John Fisher has been actively seeking partnerships and investors to purchase at least $550 million in A's equity at a valuation of $2 billion. However, no major partners or investors have been announced after more than a year. Fisher did not explain why the increased cost is acceptable.
The temporary home of the Athletics is a minor-league baseball park in Sacramento. The crowd attending a game at this stadium would only fill a third of the proposed Vegas stadium's capacity.
In May, the A's agreed to submit a security bond of $3.7 million as part of a performance agreement with Clark County to cover potential decommissioning costs if the project ceases construction.
The Sphere, currently the most expensive non-gaming construction project in Las Vegas, came in much over its original $1.2 billion budget and is still financially straining its owners. This raises concerns about the financial viability of the Athletics' proposed stadium.
Despite the rising costs, Fisher is trying to sell his ownership in Major League Soccer's San Jose Earthquakes. However, the proceeds from this sale will not be used for the Vegas stadium's construction.
The new ballpark is expected to be completed by 2028. However, the new estimated cost isn't expected to stop at $2 billion due to increased costs for stadium materials, including steel and aluminum facing 50% tariffs.
John Fisher made these admissions to The Nevada Independent. He did not discuss how the last estimated shortfall of $1.35 billion will be funded.
[1] The Nevada Independent. (2025, August 1). A’s stadium cost now estimated at over $2 billion. Retrieved from https://thenevadaindependent.com/article/athletics-stadium-cost-now-estimated-at-over-2-billion
[2] The Nevada Independent. (2024, December 1). A’s stadium cost rises to $1.75 billion. Retrieved from https://thenevadaindependent.com/article/athletics-stadium-cost-rises-to-1-75-billion
[3] The Nevada Independent. (2025, May 1). A’s submit $3.7 million security bond for Las Vegas stadium. Retrieved from https://thenevadaindependent.com/article/athletics-submit-3-7-million-security-bond-for-las-vegas-stadium
[4] Forbes. (2021, March 1). John Fisher: Net Worth, Salary & Endorsements. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/profile/john-fisher/
[5] Las Vegas Review-Journal. (2025, August 1). A’s stadium cost now estimated at over $2 billion. Retrieved from https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/athletics/athletics-stadium-cost-now-estimated-at-over-2-billion-2492393/
- The Oakland Athletics' proposed stadium in Las Vegas is now estimated to cost over $2 billion, making it the most expensive non-gaming construction in Las Vegas history.
- The cost of the Athletics' stadium surpasses the $1.9 billion Allegiant Stadium, current holder of the title.
- John Fisher, owner of the Athletics, has been actively seeking partnerships and investors to finance the stadium's construction, with a need for approximately $550 million in A's equity.
- The temporary home of the Athletics is a minor-league baseball park in Sacramento, with a capacity that would only fill a third of the proposed Vegas stadium's capacity.
- In May, the A's agreed to submit a security bond of $3.7 million to Clark County as part of a performance agreement.
- The Sphere, currently the second most expensive non-gaming construction project in Las Vegas, has strained its owners financially due to cost overruns.
- Fisher is trying to sell his ownership in Major League Soccer's San Jose Earthquakes, but the proceeds will not be used for the Vegas stadium's construction.
