The former Oakland A’s, which played the 2025 Major League Baseball season in Sacramento as simply the “Athletics,” and will relocate to Las Vegas in the future, has been denied a trademark on the name “Las Vegas Athletics.”
The United States Patent and Trademark Office has now twice rejected claims by the owners of the team to trademark “Vegas Athletics” and “Las Vegas Athletics.” This seems to settle the question on the franchise continuing to use that nickname in their new city.
The A’s have previously used “Athletics” and the shortened version of it, “A’s,” in three cities: Philadelphia from 1901 to 1954; Kansas City from 1955 to 1967; and Oakland from 1968 to 2024. Last season, following the expiration of a lease and agreement to play in Oakland, the team played in a Triple-A ballpark in Sacramento, but did not officially assume the city name.
Given the slim chance that the A’s ownership can petition the USPTO for a new hearing on a trademark of “Las Vegas Athletics,” it seems the team will need to find a new nickname.
Ideas for new nicknames for the A’s
Here are nine ideas for new nicknames for the baseball team that will play in Las Vegas, starting permanently in 2028.
Las Vegas Aces
This is arguably the strongest contender because of its double meaning.
- Why it works: It is a perfect bridge between baseball terminology (an “ace” pitcher) and Las Vegas culture (the highest card in the deck). It fits the gambling motif without being too “vice-oriented” for a family-friendly league.
- Visual Potential: The logo possibilities are endless, combining diamonds/spades with baseball diamonds, or using a fighter pilot aesthetic (referencing “Flying Aces” and nearby Nellis Air Force Base).
Las Vegas Stars
This name has deep roots in the city’s baseball history.
- Why it works: The “Las Vegas Stars” was the name of the city’s beloved Triple-A team (the San Diego Padres affiliate) for nearly 20 years. It pays homage to local baseball history while referencing the Hollywood stars and entertainers who made Vegas the “Entertainment Capital of the World.”
- Visual Potential: A classic, clean look featuring star iconography, perhaps invoking the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign design.
Las Vegas Neon
Las Vegas is the “City of Lights,” famous for the glowing tubes that built the Strip.
- Why it works: It captures the energy, electricity, and nightlife of the city. It is a modern, singular name (like the Heat, Magic, or Jazz) that stands out in a league full of animal names.
- Visual Potential: This would allow for arguably the boldest uniforms in sports: electric blues, hot pinks, and lime greens on black jerseys, mimicking the look of the Strip at night.
Las Vegas Aliens
Nevada is home to Area 51 and is the epicenter of UFO folklore in America.
- Why it works: It leans into the quirky, mysterious side of the Nevada desert. It’s fun, kid-friendly, and offers massive merchandising potential that is distinct from any other MLB brand.
- Visual Potential: Flying saucers, “Little Green Men” with baseball bats, and a futuristic, sci-fi font. The color scheme could use “alien green” and silver.
Las Vegas Silver Sox
Nevada is officially known as the “The Silver State.”
- Why it works: Las Vegas wasn’t just built on gambling; it was born from the mining boom. This name connects the team to the state’s rugged mining history while using the traditional “Sox” suffix (White Sox, Red Sox) to make it feel like an authentic, old-school baseball club.
- Visual Potential: Metallic silver and black uniforms (similar to the Raiders or the NHL’s Golden Knights) would be incredibly popular and sleek. And of course: silver socks.
Las Vegas Kings
A tribute to the man who is synonymous with Las Vegas: Elvis Presley.
- Why it works: Elvis is Vegas. calling the team the “Kings” honors the residency era of entertainment. It also conveys royalty and dominance, fitting well alongside the NHL’s “Golden Knights” and the WNBA’s “Aces.”
- Visual Potential: Crowns, gold and purple colors, or perhaps a logo that subtly incorporates a pompadour or a guitar pick shape.
Las Vegas Vipers
The Mojave Desert is a harsh environment teeming with dangerous wildlife.
- Why it works: It gives the team an aggressive, intimidating identity. It fits the geographic reality of the city and sounds like a traditional sports team name.
- Visual Potential: A coiled snake logo, using desert tones like sand, rust orange, and cactus green. The downside: the Diamondbacks have already covered this design concept pretty well.
Las Vegas Locos
Before the mobsters and the casinos, Las Vegas was founded in 1905 as a purely logistical stop for the Union Pacific Railroad.
- Why it works: It honors the true origin story of the city. It’s a blue-collar, industrial name that contrasts with the glitz of the Strip, appealing to the locals who live and work there.
- Visual Potential: Train imagery, cowcatchers, and steam. The “Loco” abbreviation also adds a fun, chaotic energy (“Crazy” in Spanish) that fits the wild nature of the town.
Las Vegas Mirage
For decades, the Mirage casino defined the modern era of the mega-resort, but the concept of a mirage fits the city’s existence in the desert perfectly.
- Why it works: Las Vegas is essentially a shimmering oasis in a dry wasteland, a mirage brought to life. It captures the heat, the mystery, and the “too good to be true” nature of the city.
- Visual Potential: Shimmering heat wave effects on the uniforms, fading colors (gradients), and desert imagery.
Bonus Idea: Las Vegas 51s
This was the actual Triple-A team name from 2001 to 2018. While “Aliens” is more generic, “51s” is a specific local cultural reference to Area 51 that locals loved. Bringing this back for the major leagues would be an instant hit with the fanbase that grew up watching them. The team could make uniform #51 a special team captain honor or tie it into fan experiences.
