Oakland Roots risk losing Coliseum home over $1.4 million rent default
The Oakland Roots have missed a deadline to address $1.4 million in overdue rent, putting their ability to host games at the Oakland Coliseum in jeopardy.
Officials with the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Joint Powers Authority warned that the Oakland Roots could be barred from future home matches after failing to meet a Wednesday noon deadline to begin paying $1.4 million in overdue rent. The authority had previously rejected the club’s proposed payment plan and gave the team five business days to cure the default, which it did not do. Executive director Henry Gardner said the Roots must either settle the full arrears or pay $200,000 for each upcoming home game.
City Councilmember Ken Houston, who sits on the JPA board, criticized the original lease deal and urged cooperation. A Friday meeting is planned to discuss the dispute, with Houston pushing for an emergency Thursday session. The club’s social media still lists Saturday’s game against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds as proceeding, and the Riverhounds have not received notice of any change.
Why it matters
The dispute could leave the Roots without a venue, affecting fans, local revenue and the stadium’s future use.
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