Do sports have a future at Oakland Coliseum? The A’s may hold the keys.

OAKLAND — The Oakland A’s last played baseball in this city over a year ago, but the franchise still holds both a potential ownership stake in the Coliseum and the decisive ability to reject groups that seek a longer residency there.

It is an uncomfortable arrangement that comes at a turning point for the Coliseum property, where lucrative private events could bring an end to live sports played at the iconic stadium.

The stadium’s current highest-profile draw is the Oakland Roots soccer team...