An investment group featuring former Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has purchased a minority stake in the Athletics as the franchise prepares for its planned relocation to Las Vegas in 2028. The announcement Thursday from Harbinger Sports Group did not disclose the size of the stake acquired. Cuban, who still holds a minority interest in the Mavericks, serves as general partner and president of the Atlanta-based firm, which was founded by Atlanta Falcons minority owner Rashaun Williams.
Harbinger has raised more than $460 million in under six months, and its investment in the Athletics represents its first deal. The group framed the move as part of a broader strategy tied to the Las Vegas sports market, which has rapidly transformed into a major professional sports destination over the past decade. The NFL’s Raiders moved from Oakland in 2020, and the NHL’s expansion Golden Knights began play in 2017, with both franchises seeing significant valuation increases since arriving in the city.
A’s majority owner John Fisher is overseeing construction of a $2 billion domed stadium with a capacity of 33,000 on the Las Vegas Strip. The team said in a statement that Harbinger’s principals bring experience across sports, media, and entertainment that makes them a valuable addition to the ownership group. Steve Cannon, co-founder and CEO of Harbinger and vice chairman of AMB Sports and Entertainment, which oversees Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, praised the ballpark vision and said it would become a year-round entertainment venue on the Strip.
Cuban was direct about the group’s intentions. “We are minority investors looking to make our investors a lot of money,” he said. The Athletics are currently playing the second of three scheduled seasons at a minor league facility in West Sacramento, California, with club officials saying the Las Vegas stadium remains on track to open ahead of the 2028 season.