The Oakland Coliseum Joint Powers Authority says the Roots are in default on their lease and failed to address the $1.4 million debt. The team paid for Saturday’s game, but legal negotiations cost an additional $100,000, according to Coliseum Authority Commissioner David Haubert.
Coliseum Authority rejects Roots' payment plan
The Coliseum Joint Powers Authority rejected the team’s proposed payment plan last week. Executive Director Henry Gardner confirmed the Roots were notified of the default and given five business days to remedy it. They failed to meet the Wednesday deadline.
The team was offered two options: pay the $1.4 million arrears in full or shift to a model where they pay $200,000 per home game plus game-day expenses. The latter option was not accepted in time.
Roots insist game will go ahead, officials remain in limbo
Despite the financial issue, the Roots confirmed on social media that Saturday’s game against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds will proceed. The Riverhounds have not been notified of any changes, a team representative told ABC7.
The JPA is awaiting a final response from the Roots ahead of a scheduled meeting Friday. Oakland City Councilmember Ken Houston, who sits on the board, called the situation an 'overreach' and has pushed for an emergency meeting Thursday.
Long-term future of Roots at Coliseum in doubt
The dispute adds to a growing list of complications at the Coliseum, which will see the Roots leave at the end of the season. Recent years have seen multiple professional teams depart the venue, and this dispute could further complicate its stability.