Update:
Jason Cole of B/R reports that Raiders owner Mark Davis and Sheldon Adelson have been discussing a potential stadium deal in Las Vegas for two years now.
According to Cole, Adelson is looking for another tenant to join his new UNLV stadium.
The problem with the Raiders moving to Las Vegas is the simple fact that the NFL would likely try to prevent them from making such as move, as they don’t want a franchise located in a city that is known for gambling.
Cole mentions that Adelson would end up giving the Raiders a huge break on the stadium costs, which would likely be a windfall for the franchise.
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Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Raiders owner Mark Davis is in Las Vegas now to meet with Las Vegas Sands chairman Sheldon Adelson about his support of a stadium in the area.
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Jason Cole of B/R has been told by a source that the idea of the Raiders relocating to Las Vegas is a “very real” possibility.
- Cole adds that Raiders owner Mark Davis has spoken to Sheldon Adelson about the idea for two years now.
According to FOX5, a Sands spokesperson confirmed that there are plans for a $1 billion domed stadium that are moving forward, with or without a team.
The stadium would contain at least 60,000 seats and would involve a public-private partnership.
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Raiders owner Mark Davis was asked by Jason Cole about the possibility of his interest in moving the team to Las Vegas to which he replied: “In typical Raider fashion … I will neither confirm nor deny!!!”
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UNLV president Len Jessup sent a letter to a small group (via Ralston Reports) saying that the Las Vegas Sands plans to publicly announce its support for a new special events stadium in Southern Nevada that would make use of the 42 acres of land purchased by UNLV.
According to the letter, the Sands leadership has informed officials that the Oakland Raiders are scheduled to travel to Las Vegas and tour locations for a potential new home. The Raiders have asked to meet with UNLV at the 42-acre site on Friday to discuss the option.
“Certainly, if a public-private partnership can be forged that includes the development of a new special events stadium on the 42-acre site that has little or no cost to UNLV…then it is something we would look at very seriously,” Jessup wrote.
The Raiders wound up being the big loser in the league’s decision to grant the Rams the right to move to Los Angeles with the Chargers having the possibility of joining them.
Of course, the Raiders could still make their way to Los Angeles, but reports have said that this is a remote option, and something the NFL would not prefer.
It seems as the Raiders will be back in Oakland for the 2016 season. However, it’s clear that their future after that will be up in the air as they try to find a permanent home.
Both San Diego and San Antonio have been floated as potential options for the Raiders, but it’s hard to say that either is a realistic option at this point in time.
Should the Raiders elect to remain in Oakland and secure a stadium deal with the city, the NFL would contribute $100 million towards the project. The problem here is that two parties are nowhere close to any sort of agreement and the city’s financial situation remains an issue.
We’ll have more regarding the Raiders’ future as the news is available.
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It so ironic how money talks. For years, the pro sports leagues in this country have tried to distance themselves from gambling and their respective sport. It wasn’t that long ago that you would hear the talk that Las Vegas would never ever get a pro team because Vegas is the gambling capital in this country. Fast forward to today and not only does Vegas have a brand new arena built to attract an NBA team; but, now the city is courting the Radiers by promising to build a one billion dollar football stadium. Do you know what. The pro teams are listening. I understand that the professional sports leagues are big business. But the hypocrisy comes in how these leagues have found sponsorship from the fanasty sports industry or the local Indian and privately owned gaming casinos; and, are now at least listening and exploring the idea of placing pro franchises in Las Vegas. As the old saying goes, everyone has it’s price. That plus, build it; and, they will come.