Portland joins Las Vegas as potential relocation site for Athletics

Oakland Athletics executives will travel to Portland to explore the idea of relocating the franchise, according to John Canzano of The Oregonian.

"PDP (Portland Diamond Project) can confirm that we have engaged in talks with the Athletics, and plans for a visit by team officials are underway," said Craig Cheek and Mike Barrett, the duo spearheading the group attempting to bring an MLB franchise to the city.

Athletics owner John Fisher, team president Dave Kaval, vice president Billy Beane, and executive Sandy Dean will head to Portland in June, a source told Canzano.

Club officials are reportedly visiting Las Vegas this week to meet with the local government about the possibility of relocating the team.

Kaval said last week that six cities have contacted the franchise about leaving Oakland.

The Athletics' lease for Oakland Coliseum, their home since 1968, expires in 2024. The club wants to build a new ballpark at Howard Terminal, which is closer to downtown Oakland, but nothing has been finalized.