Long-time rivals on the field, the Raiders and Steelers could be allies when it comes to the current stadium situation in Oakland.
Appearing on SiriusXM NFL Radio, Steelers owner Art Rooney II addressed the challenges currently faced by Raiders owner Mark Davis, who plays in a dilapidated venue with periodic sewage problems and a baseball infield for half of football season.
“The Raiders have a stadium situation that’s difficult,” Rooney said. “Something is going to have to give.”
Rooney, who serves as Chairman of the NFL’s Stadium Committee, took a direct role in the Minnesota stadium situation in 2012, helping to persuade the local politicians that action was needed. Neither Rooney nor any other league officials have taken a public role in persuading the powers-that-be in Oakland to solve the stadium situation.
The Raiders have a one-year lease, which in theory allows them to leave Oakland after the current season. Davis is currently flirting with San Antonio.
Davis would still need to persuade 23 other owners to approve of a move. It’s unclear whether Davis could ever conjure the votes.