After all the buzz over the past year plus surrounding three NFL teams looking to relocate to Los Angeles, it appears the Rams will be the only one to get their wish in time for the 2016 season.
Oakland Raiders insider Scott Bair of CSN California is reporting that the team will announce a short-term lease with the Oakland Coliseum at a press conference on Thursday:
Presser today for JPA/Raiders announcement. Short-term lease w/O.co likely a done deal, maybe future options. We'll see
— Scott Bair (@ScottBairNFL) February 11, 2016
The Coliseum Joint Powers Authority (JPA) and the Raiders have been in negotiations regarding a lease since owner Mark Davis’ failed attempt to move the team to Los Angeles last month.
It remains to be seen whether this lease will include anything beyond the 2016 season. Though, the Raiders would be smart to at least have an opt-out clause.
They are next in line to join the now Los Angeles Rams in Inglewood should the San Diego Chargers decide to stay in their home market by next January’s NFL-imposed deadline.
The Raiders have been flirting with other potential destinations, including a meeting with Las Vegas officials late last month, since their bid for relocation to L.A. wasn’t approved at the owners meetings in Houston back in January.
With both the Raiders and Chargers likely going for short-term fixes in their current markets, the entire relocation issue is likely going to be reopened again following the 2016 season.
At the very least, fans in Oakland now know their team will be remaining in that city for one more season.