Wolff resigns as owner of A's, fans rally around hope of new stadium

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- A big shake up Thursday could benefit the Oakland Athletics and the Raiders in the long run.

RELATED: Lew Wolff steps down as Oakland A's managing partner

The co-owner of the Oakland Athletics has stepped down.

That is giving new optimism for a brand new ballpark for the A's. The team has been trying to build one for over a decade.

In fact, Lew Wolff said Thursday he thinks a new ballpark site in Oakland will be announced in the next few months.

The most visible owner of the A's has stepped down amid a larger leadership change for the ballclub. Thursday night we're hearing from the new team president who has a clear vision for keeping the A's in Oakland.

Embattled A's owner Lew Wolff is out as managing partner amid a complete reshuffle at the top for the Oakland A's.

Chris Dobbins is president of the fan group Save Oakland Sports. "I think a lot of A's fans are excited because he's been kind of the focal point. A lot of frustration, anger has been focused on him," he said.

In a brief statement Wolff said, "It's been an honor serving as a managing partner and I thank our fans, players and staff for the opportunity."

John Fisher will take over as managing partner and the new team president is Dave Kaval, who holds the same position with the San Jose Earthquakes soccer team.

"It's great to be here, obviously thrilled to be here in Oakland," Kaval said.

Building a privately funded stadium for the A's in Oakland is at the top of Kaval's to-do list.

"A lot of people have put a lot of hard work into locations in Oakland, multiple sites," Kaval said. "And I want to do everything that I can to build on that, and we figure out the best location in Oakland for the Oakland Athletics."

Kaval has a proven track record, having spearheaded the construction of Avaya Stadium for the Earthquakes in San Jose.

RELATED: Signs of progress in effort to keep Raiders in Oakland

Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf said in a statement: Now with John Fisher and Dave Kaval's new roles, we think the organization, their extensive expertise in private stadium development, I look forward to ushering in another incredible era for the team and our city."

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