Does the NFL want a Raiders stadium in Las Vegas?

Larry Beil Image
Saturday, October 15, 2016
Does the NFL really want a team in Las Vegas?
ABC7 Sports Director Larry Beil gives some insight on the NFL's intentions to move the Raiders to Las Vegas.

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Nevada lawmakers voted Friday to build an NFL stadium in Las Vegas to lure the Raiders. The nearly $2 billion project includes $750 million in public money. This amount is the largest public contribution for any NFL stadium.

ABC7 Sports Director Larry Beil has some insight on the NFL's intentions to move the Oakland Raiders to Las Vegas.

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It's really hard to know right now, we wish we could say, it's 90 percent, or it's 50-50 or the team is definitely here, but what we do know is that the NFL and the commissioner have come out saying they'd like to see the team stay in Oakland.

They don't like franchises moving around. There are some particular concerns about Las Vegas because of the gambling issues.

It really comes down to whether Ronnie Lott and his group can get something done effectively. What you hear from the Raiders is that they know Lott has had an interest in this for a while, but where is the plan? Where is the money? How are we doing this?

They are unsure they can get a deal in place in time. We've been told that Lott is working on this full time now. He is probably working 10 hours a day on getting a deal done in Oakland, which is not simple.

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Eddie DeBartolo Jr. may or may not be involved. Another interesting possibility is the involvement of the former 49ers owner, who was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame, saving the Raiders and possibly making an ownership stake in the Silver and Black.

We don't know how Jed York would feel about that. We think they would be able to present a very strong case to the NFL. That is a powerful group if the money comes together.

The NFL seems to be very leery of putting a team in Las Vegas. Some owners are okay. Jerry Jones, who was instrumental in moving the Rams to Los Angeles by themselves, is in favor of it.

There's a very powerful force that's pushing for that. Other owners are very touchy about Las Vegas. In particular Sheldon Adelson, the casino mogul, we're not sure that other owners want him in their exclusive club. It is very dicey.

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And so we just have to see how it all plays out. There's a very strong chance the Raiders might stay if they can get the stadium figured out.

There is a rumor in the Twittersphere that fans will turn their backs on the field during the national anthem in protest of what Mark Davis is doing.

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