The Oakland Athletics (often called the A’s) are a Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise with a rich history dating back to 1901, originally starting in Philadelphia before moving to Kansas City and then to Oakland in 1968. For fans around the world, the A’s are known for their green and gold colors, innovative strategies (like the Moneyball era), and multiple World Series championships.
Since the late 20th century, the A’s have been based in the San Francisco Bay Area, but the team has undergone a period of major transition due to issues with its stadium and long-term location. As of 2025, they are playing games in West Sacramento while preparing for a planned relocation to the Las Vegas metropolitan area, with a new stadium targeted to open around the 2028 season.
Ownership Status of the Oakland Athletics
The current owner of the Athletics is John J. Fisher, a U.S. businessman and majority stakeholder in the franchise. Fisher has been the controlling owner since 2005 and also serves as the managing general partner, giving him ultimate authority over baseball and business decisions for the club.
Oakland Athletics Owner – John J. Fisher
- Role: Majority Owner & Managing General Partner
- Acquisition: Bought controlling interest in 2005
- Previous Co-Owner: Lewis Wolff (sold his remaining stake to Fisher in 2016)
John Fisher comes from the family behind the Gap clothing brand—his parents, Donald and Doris Fisher, co-founded the company. He inherited much of his wealth from this family fortune and has invested that into sports team ownership.
John J. Fisher Net Worth
John J. Fisher has an estimated net worth of around $2.2–$2.5 billion as of 2025, according to publicly available financial estimates. His wealth primarily comes from the Fisher family fortune, best known for founding the global apparel brand Gap Inc.
While John Fisher is not directly involved in the day-to-day operations of Gap, he inherited significant family wealth and has invested heavily in professional sports. A major portion of his net worth is tied to his ownership of the Oakland Athletics, along with other investments and assets. It is important to note that exact net-worth figures can vary, as private investments, franchise valuations, and market conditions change over time.
Ownership Structure & Major Shareholders
Unlike a privately held business with a single owner, the Athletics operate under corporate ownership, with Fisher and his family holding the majority stake:
| Owner / Entity | Role / Stake | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| John J. Fisher | Majority Owner & Managing Partner | Bought controlling interest in 2005 and owns the majority of the team. |
| Fisher Family Entities | Principal Shareholders | Family assets support ownership and potential financing. |
| (Potential new investors) | Minority Stakes (if any) | Plans have circulated about outside investors joining for stadium funding, though nothing is finalized. |
Note: Remaining minority shares may be held by other private investors or within the Fisher family’s broader investment portfolio. Major League Baseball teams are generally privately owned entities, not publicly traded, so detailed shareholder percentages are not publicly disclosed like a stock-market company.
Ownership History Highlights
To understand how Fisher came to control the Athletics, here’s a brief timeline of recent ownership shifts:
- 2005: John Fisher, in partnership with then co-owner Lewis Wolff, purchases the Athletics.
- 2016: Fisher buys out Wolff’s remaining stake, consolidating full ownership of the franchise.
- 2021–2025: Under Fisher’s leadership, the team pursues relocation plans due to stadium issues in Oakland, including a temporary move to West Sacramento and a planned permanent home in Las Vegas by 2028.
Former Notable Owners
The Athletics have had several notable owners in their long history:
- Charlie Finley: Owner from 1960 to 1980; moved the team to Oakland.
- Walter A. Haas Jr.: Led the franchise from 1980 to 1995.
- Stephen Schott & Ken Hofmann: Co-owners during the mid-1990s to early 2000s.
- Lewis Wolff: Co-owner with Fisher until selling his stake in 2016.
Recent Developments in Ownership & Franchise Direction
Under Fisher’s ownership, the Athletics organisation has undergone major change:
- Relocation Plans: Fisher has been the driving force behind relocating the team from Oakland to the Las Vegas area, breaking ground on a new MLB stadium project slated for completion by 2028.
- West Sacramento Interim Home: After leaving Oakland following the 2024 season, the A’s have played in West Sacramento while preparing for their future stadium.
- Fan Reaction: Fisher’s leadership and relocation strategy have been controversial among many long-time Athletics fans, sparking debate over stadium funding, team investment, and loyalty to Oakland.
There have also been rumors of bringing in new minority investors to help fund the stadium project, though nothing has been officially confirmed at this time.
FAQs
1. Who currently owns the Oakland Athletics?
The team is owned by John J. Fisher, who holds the majority stake and serves as managing general partner.
2. Is the team publicly traded?
No the Athletics are privately owned, not a public company with shares on a stock exchange.
3. Has ownership changed recently?
There has been no change in majority ownership since Fisher bought out Lew Wolff’s share in 2016.
4. Is the franchise even staying in Oakland?
As of 2025, the team is on track to relocate permanently to the Las Vegas metropolitan area by 2028, though they currently play temporary home games elsewhere.