Report: Beane could leave A's to pursue non-baseball opportunities

Oakland Athletics executive Billy Beane could be leaving the organization to pursue other opportunities outside of baseball, reports Jared Diamond, Joshua Robinson, and Miriam Gottfried of The Wall Street Journal.

The 58-year-old, who runs Oakland's front office and holds a minority stake in the team, is also the co-chair of Redball Acquisition Corp.

The special-purpose acquisition company is planning to complete a merger with John Henry's Fenway Sports Group, according to Diamond, Robinson, and Gottfried. Henry is the principal owner of the Boston Red Sox.

Beane reportedly isn't expected to take a role with the Red Sox, but the merger would create a conflict of interest because of his involvement with two competing franchises.

Instead of remaining in baseball, Beane could shift his focus to other sports ventures such as European soccer. Henry is also the principal owner of Liverpool Football Club.

Beane and Henry share a history. The Red Sox owner tried to sign Beane to a record-breaking contract to become his team's general manager after the 2002 season, following the success of the "Moneyball" A's.

Beane famously declined the lucrative offer and has remained with Oakland. The A's haven't been able to win a World Series with Beane in their front office, while the Red Sox have captured four championships since 2004.