Dave Kaval, a key figure in relocating the Oakland Athletics to Las Vegas and spearheading plans for a $1.75 billion ballpark on the Strip, has announced his resignation as president of the MLB franchise. Kaval, who served as president for eight transformative years, will step down on Wednesday, the team revealed Friday.

Kaval played a pivotal role in guiding the A’s through a period of monumental change. From initiating the exploration of Las Vegas as a relocation site in 2021 to the official announcement of the move in 2023, Kaval became the face of the franchise’s transition. Under his leadership, plans for a state-of-the-art ballpark on a 9-acre plot at the Tropicana site took shape, marking a new era for the team.

“We are grateful for Dave’s contributions and leadership over the past eight years,” A’s owner John Fisher said in a statement. “He guided our organization through a period of significant transition, and we sincerely thank him for his unwavering commitment to the team.”

While the A’s prepare for their future in Las Vegas, Sandy Dean, a longtime business partner of the Fisher family, will serve as interim president. Dean, who has taken on a more visible role in recent months, has been attending Las Vegas Stadium Authority meetings and overseeing updates on the relocation and construction process.

The A’s are set to play the next three seasons at Triple-A Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento before making their Las Vegas debut at the start of the 2028 season. As the franchise builds toward its new chapter in Southern Nevada, the leadership transition signals a continued focus on growth and success.

Kaval, reflecting on his tenure, expressed gratitude for the opportunities afforded to him by the organization and announced plans to pursue new ventures at the intersection of business and government in California.

His legacy includes not only his leadership with the A’s but also his contributions to Major League Soccer, where he helped develop the San Jose Earthquakes’ stadium, PayPal Park. Kaval’s influence has extended beyond the field, with roles in the San Jose Sports Commission, the San Jose Chamber of Commerce, and as a sports management instructor at Stanford Graduate School of Business.

As the Athletics prepare for their Las Vegas debut, the question remains: Will this relocation mark the beginning of a renaissance for the storied franchise?

Source: Review Journal