.Oakland Raiders Officially File To Move To Las Vegas

Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf responds.

The Oakland Raiders’ getaway to Sin City just rolled double-seven this morning:
[embed-1]That’s a Tweet from a Clark County commissioner, confirming that the Raiders have filed for relocation well in advance of next month’s deadline.
[embed-2]And that’s the NFL confirming the news.

Next, owners will vote in March on the plan, which now involves Goldman Sachs helping finance the new Las Vegas stadium, in lieu of billionaire GOP benefactor Sheldon Adelson.

Does this mean that the Mayor Libby Schaaf-Ronnie Lott plan to keep the team in East Oakland is belly-up? I’ve seen far weirder developments in the world of pro-sports and public subsidies — but it doesn’t look good for the Silver and Black in the Bay.

Yesterday afternoon, Schaaf issues an statement on the Raiders latest move:

“It’s no surprise that the Raiders have filed for relocation. Oakland welcomes the chance to show them and the NFL’s other owners why Oakland is the only home for the Raiders and always will be.

“Our winning team of the Lott Group, the County and my colleagues on the Oakland City Council has accomplished so much in the last few months. We’ve identified the mechanisms to responsibly finance public infrastructure improvements, we have in the Lott Group a private partner prepared to finance stadium construction, and we have an entitled site for a world-class NFL stadium and new development that enhances fan experience while invigorating East Oakland’s economy.

“But this isn’t all Oakland has to offer. Oakland’s Raiders stadium will be on the most transit-accessible site in the nation, in the sixth largest television market, and in one of the wealthiest and most innovative regions in the world. But above all else, Oakland has something no other city ever will — a die-hard fan base that is loyal and true to the Raiders and wants to see them stay here in Oakland where they were founded. Only Oakland brings the Raiders and the NFL a competitive stadium proposal, along with legacy and loyalty.

“I look forward to the League giving our team a chance to compete.”

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