It was only months ago when the Rivercats announced an alternative team name, the Gold Diggers. A controversial promo video later, the name was removed and all merchandise was taken down from their website.
And then there’s the city-less Athletics.
The Athletics came into town in March and went on to display a home experience that would have more “let’s go Oakland” chants and Las Vegas signs than anything resembling the region in which it currently plays, Sacramento.
It was a distressing and disappointing showing for a city and region that has the loyal fan support to host its own MLB team, and even an NFL team, if you ask me.
Hopefully, a sign of things to come, the A’s announced during its last game of the city they’d be wearing an alternate jersey that has Sacramento front and center.
“I think it’s great,” A’s All-Star shortstop Jacob Wilson said to the Bee. “The main thing is that this is the city that we’re repping right now. … So to be able to build a jersey that has the city of Sacramento on it is something that the fans will appreciate because we’re showing them that we appreciate them. And I’m excited to wear them.”
The Athletics are finally on board with at least doing the obvious, honoring the city in which you are currently staying.
That home spirit is also being channeled by the Sacramento Kings.
Unveiled on 916 Day, this year’s city edition has to be the most Sacramento city edition jersey to date: a “Beam Glow Purple” design, celebrating the iconic Victory Beam and the city’s unity. There is even a quote from the late NBA Commissioner David Stern from 2013 when the Kings were on the verge of being moved to Seattle.
“We are going to keep the team in Sacramento.”
And that they did.
This is a step above last year’s odd decision to resurrect the vintage blue, red and white uniforms worn by the team when they were in Cincinnati as the Royals from 1957 to 1972.
They even brought back their creepy-looking mascot from the days in Cincinnati, “Roy Al,” only for it to be tossed weeks after its first appearance.
And in the smartest move, this year Kings’ jerseys sponsor will be none other than lawyer, mother, boss, and billboard celebrity Anh Phoong. All season long, the lawyer will be with the team via a patch with her law center logo on the upper right chest area of the jersey. They also introduced The Purple Promise, a long-term initiative to invest and uplift women in Sacramento.
“As a woman, an entrepreneur, and a proud Sacramentan, this moment is deeply personal,” Phoong said in a statement. “The Kings have a long history of giving back to our community and through The Purple Promise we’re creating mentorship, opportunity, and visibility for women and girls—ensuring they know their voices, dreams, and leadership matter.” Sports can be a platform to celebrate and acknowledge a city’s culture. So much of sports is about wearing apparel with the city’s name on it.
The future of Sacramento sports is rich with potential. The Kings have embraced the city’s culture and turned it into pride.
The A’s are just beginning to follow that path.
If Sacramento’s teams continue to reflect the city’s spirit, they won’t just fill seats—they’ll build traditions strong for generations. That’s what makes a sports town, and Sacramento can achieve it.