Alameda County sells Oakland Coliseum to African American Sports and Entertainment Group
- The Alameda County Board of Supervisors voted to sell its share of the Oakland Coliseum to AASEG.
- The city of Oakland had previously approved its share of the sale nearly a year ago.
- This deal is seen as a significant investment in the area, aiming to revitalize the community and surrounding businesses.
In the United States, specifically in California, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors cleared the final roadblock in the sale of the Oakland Coliseum. This milestone took place in mid-2025, with the board voting on the sale to the African American Sports and Entertainment Group (AASEG) after a lengthy deliberation. The city of Oakland had previously approved the sale nearly a year prior, but Alameda County required additional time to make their decision due to various considerations regarding the site's future and the community impact. The approved sale entailed AASEG paying $125 million to both the city of Oakland and Alameda County, funding which reflects the respective interests the entities held in the property. This substantial financial engagement indicates a significant investment in the Coliseum's redevelopment. The meeting when supervisors voted was notably attended, with considerable community presence demonstrating support for the initiative. AASEG founder Ray Bobbitt expressed gratitude and excitement for this opportunity, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with the community. The discussions surrounding the fate of the Coliseum have been ongoing since 2015, when the city of Oakland initiated the Coliseum Specific Area Plan. This plan aimed to establish a comprehensive vision for the site, encouraged by community input, including ideas to revitalize the Hegenberger corridor—a region that has seen a decline due to the departure of several professional sports teams. Oakland City Council member Ken Houston highlighted the urgency of revitalizing the area, pointing to the closures of numerous hotels and restaurants, which has affected local businesses negatively. As of now, while the sale marks an essential step toward revitalization, it does not conclude the process, as AASEG must finalize the sale by June 30, 2026. Further, the city of Oakland retains final approval over any redevelopment plans, which will necessitate active engagement with community groups during this evolution. This situation underscores a pivotal moment for Oakland as the community hopes for a transformed Coliseum that brings jobs and a quality destination to the area.