Officials in Las Vegas have talked to Raiders owner Mark Davis about attracting his team to the city. But if the Raiders stay in Oakland, Vegas won’t be done trying to get an NFL team.
Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman said on the Dan Patrick Show that she and her husband, former Mayor Oscar Goodman, have a long and close relationship with Chargers owner Alex Spanos and would love to work with Spanos on a move.
“My husband and I have had season tickets at the Chargers for the past 30-plus years and we would love that, and Alex Spanos already has some relationship with us here in the city -- he’s been a developer for us in the ‘70s and ‘80s,” Goodman said. “I know they’re absolutely looking to move and that’s another place to go.”
The Chargers say they’re committed to finding a workable solution in San Diego, but if taxpayers won’t build them a new stadium, eventually they’re going to look elsewhere. That could mean sharing a stadium with the Rams in Los Angeles, but it could also mean moving to Las Vegas.
One way or another, Las Vegas wants an NFL team. And the NFL, despite its reluctance to have any connection to the gambling industry, seems to be warming up to the possibility -- especially if the Nevada legislature is willing to put up $750 million of the stadium costs.
“Whether it’s the Chargers or Oakland,” she said, “that would really be exciting.”