Former San Francisco 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo is reportedly looking into becoming a part owner of the Oakland Raiders.
Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported this news on Sunday morning, noting DeBartolo’s potential involvement could be a boon to the team’s efforts to relocate to Carson, Ca.
There is a connection that could be tremendously profitable for the Raiders in this regard, as former 49ers front office man Carmen Policy is the director of the Carson stadium project. It’s been long assumed that Oakland would need some extra support in ownership to become favorites over the San Diego Chargers and St. Louis Rams to land the project. Adding DeBartolo would certainly constitute “extra support.”
Per La Canfora, the sticking point could come down to “finding the right fit” for the legendary owner, which could prove difficult. However, there is no doubt adding him to the front office would give the Raiders a big boost in the race to land the L.A. stadium. Owner Mark Davis has reportedly been “reluctant to yield any controlling interest in the club to others.” Adding a man like DeBartolo to the mix — with so much league clout — could cause him to reconsider.
While 49ers fans would certainly find such a move shocking, those who understand the dynamic between DeBartolo and the York family won’t be shocked at all, La Canfora notes. There is no love lost between the two parties, but it must be said the 49ers haven’t been the same since DeBartolo was forced out following his troubles with the league.