The landscape of Major League Soccer is bracing for a seismic shift as billionaire John Fisher, owner of the Oakland Athletics, prepares to relinquish control of the San Jose Earthquakes. This move comes amidst Fisher’s relocation of the A’s from Oakland to Las Vegas, marking a pivotal moment for the Bay Area’s MLS franchise.
The Seismic Shift: Oakland A’s Owner Puts San Jose Earthquakes Up for Sale
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the soccer community, John Fisher, the billionaire owner of MLB’s Oakland Athletics, has hired the investment bank Moelis & Co. to facilitate the sale of his MLS club, the San Jose Earthquakes. An official announcement is expected on Wednesday, June 17th, 2025, signaling a tectonic shift in the ownership landscape of the Bay Area’s beloved soccer franchise.
Unveiling the Quake’s Future: What’s Next for the Bay Area’s MLS Franchise?
Fisher’s decision to sell a controlling interest in the Earthquakes marks a significant departure from his previous exploration of selling minority shares in 2021. Having acquired the team in 2007 for a $20 million expansion fee, the Earthquakes now find themselves at a crossroads, with their future hanging in the balance. According to Sportico’s January 2025 MLS team valuations, the Earthquakes ranked 20th at $600 million, underscoring the potential for growth and the allure of this investment opportunity.
Tectonic Tremors: Inside the High-Stakes Earthquakes Sale
The Earthquakes sale comes at a pivotal juncture for Fisher, as he navigates the transition of the Athletics from Oakland to Las Vegas. With the A’s currently playing at Sacramento’s Sutter Health Park before their new $1.75 billion Vegas ballpark opens, likely in 2027 or 2028, Fisher has hired Galatioto Sports Partners to raise over $500 million by selling LP stakes to help fund the stadium construction, with Clark County contributing $350 million. The Earthquakes sale marks the first MLS control stake to hit the market since Gail Miller agreed in April 2025 to purchase Real Salt Lake and the Utah Royals for nearly $600 million.
Fault Lines in the Pitch: Navigating the Earthquakes’ Uncertain Path Forward
As the Earthquakes embark on this new chapter, they find themselves at a critical juncture. Last season, the team finished last in the Western Conference, but currently sits 8th out of 15 teams halfway through the 2025 campaign. With the Vancouver Whitecaps also currently on the market, MLS faces a pivotal period ahead, aiming to capitalize on the 2026 World Cup hosting opportunity to convert casual fans, while also considering shifting to the FIFA calendar and unlocking more value from its media rights deal with Apple.
Aftershocks and Opportunities: The Ripple Effects of the Earthquakes’ Ownership Transition
The sale of the Earthquakes is poised to send ripples throughout the Bay Area sports landscape, with fans and stakeholders eagerly anticipating the impact of this seismic shift. As the search for a new owner commences, the Earthquakes find themselves at a crossroads, with the potential to usher in a new era of growth and success, or face the uncertainty of an uncertain future. Only time will tell how this tectonic shift will reshape the trajectory of the Bay Area’s beloved soccer franchise.
