If a consolation exists for St. Louis Rams fans, it could be that the NFL seems to like your city more than the city of Oakland.
According to Sports Illustrated’s The MMQB, the NFL has significantly lowered the relocation fee the Raiders must pay if they wish to move to Las Vegas.
“The Raiders aren’t packing for Vegas yet, but there may be no stopping them now,” The MMQB reported. “The league has made workable one potential road block for owner Mark Davis’ team, setting a range of $325 million to $375 million for the franchise’s relocation fee, sources tell The MMQB. That’s relatively affordable compared to the $650 million the Rams and Chargers each paid to relocate to Los Angeles.”
Why the discount for the Raiders? Money talks.
“As one owner explained about the viability of the project, ‘I think in 10 to 15 years, you’ll see the Raiders doing better than at least one of the L.A. teams and potentially both L.A. teams,'” The MMQB reported.
The fee all but guarantees that the Raiders will move to Las Vegas, as reported by CBSSports.com’s Jason La Canfora.
“Mark will get the 24 votes he needs,” an executive told La Canfora. “If its going to a vote that’s because the votes are there. If my guy is going to vote for it, then this team is moving.”
The MMQB, however, did mention that concern exists over the Raiders moving from the No. 6 market in the country to the 40th biggest market. And a renovation of Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas won’t be completed until 2020, so the question of a temporary home for the Raiders also is a concern.
Maybe the Rams can ask for a $300 million rebate from the NFL in terms of more salary cap money for the next five to 10 years.
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