Stop the Steal... of Sports Teams: Rep. Simon Backs Federal Fix
After losing the Raiders, A’s, and Warriors, Rep. Lateefah Simon joins Sen. Bernie Sanders’ effort to give local buyers first rights to franchises
☕️MORNING BUZZ
Vol. VI, No. 1,234
—Rep. Lateefah Simon represents a region deeply affected by the devastation of franchise relocations. Oakland lost the Raiders and A’s to Las Vegas, and the Warriors to San Francisco—moves widely blamed on decisions by team owners.
On Wednesday, Simon announced she is co-sponsoring the Home Team Act, legislation unveiled last week by Sen. Bernie Sanders. The bill would require franchise owners to give local investors a chance to purchase a team before relocating it.
“For decades, Oakland residents lovingly and passionately cheered on the Athletics, Raiders, and Warriors—win or lose,” Simon said. “Sports are in the blood of our city and are a key part of our cultural identity.”
—It’s not the first time an East Bay congressmember has attempted to leverage federal power in hope of dissuading owners from relocating their franchises.
In 2023, former Rep. Barbara Lee introduced the Moneyball Act, which would have required Major League Baseball teams to compensate cities and states they leave behind. The proposal also threatened to revoke MLB’s antitrust exemption for noncompliance.
A year later, Lee, in a related legislation sought to deter the A’s relocation by imposing a substantial exit fee. Both efforts stalled in the Republican-controlled House.
While legislation, even if successful, is too little, too late for the East Bay, other cities and regions continue to be held hostage by franchise owners seeking a better deal elsewhere on the public’s dime.
The NFL’s Chicago Bears are angling for a move to Indiana. The Kansas City Chiefs are moving from Missouri to Kansas, and the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs are leveraging relocation threats in hopes of a public subsidies for a new arena.
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I will rise again on Monday, April 6, along with my long-awaited reunion with Spicy Nacho Cheese Doritos, which I gave up for Lent.
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Alameda’s ICE-free zone council referral is proving very popular with the public.
Report: Oakland Police Commission may have violate Brown Act with its latest move.
Former Thao chief of staff sues city; Oakland sales tax revenue plunges, downtown hit hardest.
ELECTION 2026: Berkeley councilmember will not seek re-election this fall.
Candidates for November offices are beginning to form committees, declaring intent to run.
CAMPAIGN FINANCE: Form 497 large campaign contributions filed on April 1.
🎙️EAST BAY INSIDERS PODCAST
—EPISODE 127—A fast-moving look at California’s governor’s race, including questions around Eric Swalwell’s lack of scrutiny and whether Matt Mahan’s big spending is falling flat—plus early predictions. Plus, segments on Oakland, the FBI, and San Leandro’s newest councilmember.
