Will the Oakland Raiders Move to Sin City ?
When and if the Oakland Raiders move to Las Vegas, there will be opposing sides pushing their weight around this proposal. Perhaps the sports books will post a line with a yes or no bet. I would guess no -150 and yes +130. Only in Las Vegas !
Will 75% of the 32 NFL owners approve a team moving to Las Vegas where sports betting is legal. I am sure the almighty commish Roger Goodell hopes for a denial. However, Las Vegas is known for re-inventing itself and this would be a real coup for the city. The Governor, Brian Sandoval, has signed a new stadium bill that passed through legislation in a nano second. The casino big-wigs like Sheldon Adelson and Steve Wynn are pushing their approval mode to new heights.
The logistics for a new stadium location and construction is what Vegas does best. The space is there but will congestion cause traffic-log to jam the south end of the strip. The proposed location at Bali Hai golf club is feasible but a better option is needed. Another four miles south of Bali Hai is a wide open area next to South Point casino on the way to the M casino at the very south end of Las Vegas Blvd. Much more open space to develop with less pressure on the strip area and the airport but very easy access for fans coming from all points —-California from south, Las Vegas tourists, Henderson residents from southeast, Summerlin and North Las Vegas fans taking 215 around the city to stadium. The south end of the strip is the place to build.
The talking points of this proposal are considerable. Logistics, financial concerns, market size, legal points, relocation fees, commissioner`s office, NFL owners and the list goes on. But Vegas can get things done within time and budget constraints. Just look at the strip area and how the city put it together. How did they fit all those incredible buildings to highlight the whole “strip thing” — especially the city center. Pretty impressive.
This potential re-location effort would probably be doomed if Al Davis was still alive. His son and heir Mark Davis is determined to move on from Oakland and is much better appreciated than his father among NFL owners. But he does not have the clout or status of most NFL owners to gain acceptance to the NFL elite. But money talks and the Rams paid 500 million to other owners to get back to LA. Part of the relocation fee that Davis probably lacks and the fee has to be liquid with no creative financing or equity backed loans.
Finally, you have the white elephant in the room that is a thorn in the NFL “integrity image”. That is legalized sports betting on NFL games. Las Vegas has a monopoly on this form of gambling that other states do not.
The NFL has always blocked legislation towards sport betting and a Vegas franchise would be very distracting and against NFL policy. But there might be concessions made by the NFL brass towards this unique situation to reconsider their options and accept this venue with its gambling culture. Las Vegas has been operating and regulating legal sports book operations over 20 years with great success and a watchful eye. The state of Nevada also wants to protect their image and sports books are closely monitored and do work with NFL security people to uncover any unsavory activity. Big brother is watching.
There will probably be a vote on it next February and even if approved there is still no guarantee. I do not think the Raiders are bluffing but a better deal could appear behind closed doors. I am sure Mr. Goodell has an ace up his sleeve if you will excuse the cliche. Goodell is on a power trip with this one and has displayed his dictator style in the past. He likes a good fight and has the upper hand to succeed. Will he go “all in” on this one. Lets bet on it !!
