Oakland’s Fight to Keep Its Sports Legacy Alive: From Curry and Durant’s Support to the Reverse Boycott

Just a few years ago, Oakland was the city of champions, home to the mighty Golden State Warriors. Fans eagerly filled the Oracle Arena to witness the magic live. But in 2019, Stephen Curry and his team left Oakland for San Francisco, leaving a void. Soon after, the NFL’s Raiders also departed, making the MLB’s Oakland Athletics the city’s last remaining pro sports franchise. 

To keep the A’s in Oakland despite owner John Fisher’s efforts to move the team to Las Vegas, Oakland’s faithful organized the infamous “Reverse Boycott” last June, even garnering support from their beloved Steph and now Kevin Durant.

“Just keeping as many professional teams in this area because it matters. The community has something to look forward to and be proud of and bring out that Oakland pride,” Curry said last year as fans planned the reverse boycott. Last night, Kevin Durant seemed to join the movement, attending the Phoenix Mercury vs. Dallas Wings game wearing an Oakland A’s cap. Despite the efforts of KD, Steph, and the Oakland community, the A’s legacy in Oakland may be nearing its end.

On Wednesday, Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao announced the city would sell its share of the Coliseum, the home of the Athletics for decades, to a local development group. The deal, projected to bring nearly $105 million to Oakland, appears to be the final nail in the coffin for the Athletics.

The move is not surprising after it was confirmed that the A’s would relocate to West Sacramento until their new Las Vegas arena is ready. Although the new $1.5 billion ballpark, seating 33,000 fans, will take four years to complete, this season is likely the last in Oakland.

Was the “Reverse Boycott” Ever Going to Work?

Since John Fisher took over in 2005, the Oakland Athletics have been on a downward spiral. From cutting the $400 stipend for their 200 minor league players during the pandemic to leaked photos of subpar meals for players, Fisher made it clear he didn’t want the team to stay in Oakland. The situation worsened last year when the franchise hiked ticket prices and cut amenities for loyal season pass holders. Fisher blamed the Oakland economy and a supposed lack of fandom for these decisions.

In response, Fisher pushed for the team’s relocation to Vegas. To prove their dedication, Oakland fans organized the “reverse boycott” on June 13 last year during a game against Tampa Bay. Nearly 28,000 fans showed up, with thousands wearing “Sell” t-shirts aimed at the owners. They also chanted “sell the team” during the game. However, on the same day, the Nevada Senate approved a $380 million budget for the team’s new Las Vegas arena, devastating fans.

Despite the setback, the movement continued. Thousands of fans gathered at the Coliseum parking lot with the same agenda during opening day earlier this year. While Fisher and his team are packing to leave, Oakland residents are keeping the reverse boycott alive, with another gathering planned for the 7th of next month. Around the city, “Sell” t-shirts remain a common sight, demonstrating that the lack of fan support was never the issue behind Fisher’s failures.

Although the movement failed to keep the team in Oakland, the fans have undeniably proven their unwavering support and love for their team.