Roger Goodell: Las Vegas franchise approval far from done deal
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says there is a lot of work to be done before the league will consider Las Vegas as a franchise possibility.
Last week, a Nevada oversight committee voted to recommend spending $750 million in public money on a new NFL stadium, set to cost about $1.9 billion. Sands Corp. CEO Sheldon Adelson is expected pay $650 million for the stadium, with the Raiders' contributing another $500 million.
Financial backers of the stadium had threatened to pull out if $750 million in public funds to get the project built was not approved.
The Oakland Raiders have long expressed an interest in moving the franchise, but in order for relocation to happen, it must be approved by three-fourths of the league's owners. The owners are set to meet in January concerning any team relocation.
“Any franchise location or relocation is subject to 24 votes, and it’s a membership decision which, ultimately, they have to make that decision,” Goodell said. “And there’s still a lot that has to happen before we can get to that stage. So, recognize that they came out of committee with a bill—there’s still a lot of work to be done to approve that recommendation.
Goodell said he is evaluating whether putting a franchise in Las Vegas would be a good idea and wants to work through all solutions to keep the Raiders in Oakland.
"Well, you never want to see a community lose their franchise once, much less twice," Goodell said. "That's why we work so hard with our communities to say, 'This is what you have to try to get to,' because you need to try to make sure this franchise continues to be successful."
- Scooby Axson
