For a while now, NFL fans have been following the plight of Mark Davis and his desire to find a permanent home for his Oakland Raiders. That’s meant as a literal home in terms of a new stadium as well as a place for this franchise to actually put down some roots instead of moving every couple decades.
Back in January, Davis met with officials in Las Vegas, Nevada to discuss the possibilities of the Raiders moving there if negotiations with the city of Oakland fail to deliver. While some saw this as a logical destination, many others picked up on the idea that this was merely a bargaining tactic to get Oakland to make a deal. The Raiders also have a potential move to Los Angeles on the table as well as an eye on San Antonio.
As negotiations have stalled over the last few months, it’s become somewhat more acceptable to think that Davis might actually follow through if no deal in California emerges. While the move would be considered a “non-starter” by old school NFL owners, some of the new and younger owners seem more open to the idea.
That brings us to Tuesday as the Los Angeles Daily News is reporting that Davis is moving beyond preliminary talks and is starting to discuss actual Las Vegas stadium details.
Raiders owner Mark Davis will be in Las Vegas Thursday when the Southern Nevada Tourism Infrastructure Committee (SNTIC) meets to discuss plans to build a 65,000-seat stadium near the Las Vegas strip, and according to sources, Davis will offer a commitment to pursue a Raiders relocation there if financing for the $1.3 billion project is approved.
Davis’ appearance Thursday – and the commitment he is expected to make – could be a difference maker. Davis will leave no doubt his franchise will pursue relocation to Las Vegas if the stadium project is approved.
The Raiders have already been approved by the league to seek relocation in Los Angeles but they have to wait in line behind the Chargers. If the San Diego franchise can’t make a deal with the city, they’ll likely move into the Rams’ new stadium and that leaves the Raiders out in the cold.
Or, perhaps, the desert.
[LADN]
