U.S. Patent Office Rejects A’s Trademark for ‘Las Vegas Athletics’ Ahead of Stadium Debut
LAS VEGAS, Nev. — The Oakland Athletics encountered a significant setback in their relocation efforts as the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) denied their trademark applications for the names “Las Vegas Athletics” and “Vegas Athletics.” The refusal, issued on December 29, 2025, cited the term “Athletics” as too generic and potentially confusing with other activities, despite the club’s 123-year history with the nickname.
The Athletics, who have been known as the “Athletics” since their founding as the Philadelphia Athletics in 1901, now face a three-month window to request an extension and potentially refile their trademark applications within six months. The trademark denial comes as the team advances toward a highly anticipated relocation to Las Vegas, where a state-of-the-art, $2 billion stadium is under construction on the Las Vegas Strip.
The new stadium, designed to seat 33,000 fans, is being built with the support of the Las Vegas Stadium Authority and is on track to open for the 2028 Major League Baseball season. The project has drawn significant attention, involving key figures such as Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo and MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, who participated in the ceremonial groundbreaking in June 2025.
However, the Athletics’ path to Nevada has been fraught with challenges. Initial plans to open the stadium in 2027 were delayed after Nevada lawmakers failed to pass a budget bill in the summer of 2023 that included over $1 billion for public works and construction projects. Additionally, the team was forced to abandon its original stadium location before securing the current site. The move itself was met with skepticism, including from former Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman, who publicly questioned the viability of the relocation and suggested the team consider remaining in Oakland.
After playing their final game in Oakland in 2024, the Athletics relocated temporarily to West Sacramento, California, where they are using a Triple-A stadium owned by the San Francisco Giants for the first of three planned seasons. This interim arrangement underscores the urgency for the team to finalize its Las Vegas plans.
Despite the trademark setback, the Athletics and their design teams continue to promote the vision for their new home. Renderings released in March 2024 showcased a $1.5 billion stadium with a distinctive architectural design featuring five overlapping layers reminiscent of the Sydney Opera House.
As the team navigates the complexities of branding and relocation, the trademark issue highlights the broader challenges sports franchises face when moving markets and establishing new identities. The USPTO’s decision reflects a cautious approach to trademarking terms deemed too generic, even when associated with historic sports franchises.
For more information on trademark regulations and intellectual property rights, visit the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Details on the stadium project and local government involvement can be found through the Las Vegas Stadium Authority. Updates on Major League Baseball’s expansion and relocation policies are available at the MLB official site. For insights into Nevada’s public works funding and legislative actions, see the Nevada Legislature website.
The Athletics now face a critical period to address the trademark refusal while continuing preparations for their landmark move to Las Vegas, a transition that promises to reshape the baseball landscape in the coming years.
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