Mark Cuban’s Firm Takes Minority Stake in the Oakland Athletics

On July 24, Harbinger Sports Partners—a private-equity vehicle led by Mark Cuban and Atlanta Falcons minority owner Rashaun Williams—completed the purchase of a minority stake in the Oakland Athletics. The deal marks the first ownership transaction for Harbinger, though financial terms and the exact percentage acquired were not disclosed.

Reuters

Cuban, 67, has long expressed interest in owning a baseball franchise. He previously held a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks from 2000-2023 and remains a minority owner of the team. In addition to his involvement with the esports-betting platform Unikrn and the Canadian Elite Basketball League’s Brampton Honey Badgers, Cuban helped launch Harbinger in May 2025. The firm is actively seeking additional sports-team investments and expects to announce further deals soon. Harbinger’s leadership includes former sports executives Jonathan Mariner (MLB) and Steve Cannon (Falcons).

Reuters

Forbes estimates the Athletics’ overall value at roughly $2 billion, placing the club in the middle third of the 30 Major League Baseball teams. The franchise is slated to move to a new $2 billion ballpark in Las Vegas, with construction targeted for completion in 2028. The minority investment arrives as the organization prepares for this relocation and seeks additional capital partners.

Reuters

Cuban’s entry provides the Athletics with a high-profile minority owner who brings experience across multiple sports markets and a network of investors. Harbinger’s stated intent to pursue further team deals suggests a broader strategy of diversifying ownership across professional sports. The partnership could enhance the Athletics’ financial flexibility ahead of the Las Vegas move, while also signaling increased private-equity interest in MLB franchises.

Reuters