San Jose Earthquakes Sale Independent of A's Move

John Fisher, owner of the San Jose Earthquakes since 2008, has confirmed plans to sell the Major League Soccer team and has hired Moelis & Co. to manage the process. Although Fisher also owns the Oakland Athletics, the Earthquakes sale is now described as independent of the A's Las Vegas relocation and stadium financing, though proceeds could still help fund the ballpark project. Fisher purchased the team for a $20 million expansion fee in 2007, and it is now valued between $540 million and $600 million. Under his ownership, the club built the 18,000-seat PayPal Park and developed a strong youth academy, but has struggled with attendance and revenue in recent years. MLS Commissioner Don Garber and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan expressed gratitude for Fisher's tenure and voiced optimism about future ownership. The sale marks a major transition for the Earthquakes, a longtime presence in Bay Area soccer.