The Oakland Raiders have secured some financing for their big move to Las Vegas after all, if a plan that includes Bank of America successfully pulls through.
One half of the AFC West could change locations in a stretch of just a few years. The San Diego Chargers have already made it official with a move to Los Angeles. The Oakland Raiders seemed like they were on the verge of heading to Las Vegas until, suddenly, the move was called off. Now, there are plans to get the move back on track.
Raiders present what one insider calls a "very strong" Las Vegas plan, backed by Bank of America.
— Sam Farmer (@LATimesfarmer) March 6, 2017
Financing has been the issue for the Raiders’ search for a brand new stadium to host the team in the Las Vegas area. Apparently Bank of America has stepped up to provide just that, a reported $1.9 billion domed stadium in Sin City.
Starting on Monday, the NFL’s owners are gathering together for a few days to discuss various league issues, including the Raiders potential move to Las Vegas or their stay in Oakland. Of special importance are the owner’s finance committee, of which Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt is a part, and the stadium committee, which includes Art Rooney II, Stephen Jones and Dan Snyder among others.
The Raiders have already had two financial lifelines fall apart, the first being local casino tycoon Sheldon Adelson. The second partner to pull out was Goldman Sachs. It remains to be seen whether Bank of America will follow through in the long run, but the Raiders have hope again.
Team owner Mark Davis says the Raiders will play in Oakland for two more years no matter what happens with any move, and any new stadium wouldn’t be ready until the year 2020 at least. It will be some time before the Raiders shift the AFC West landscape once again, but now it seems at least the plan is back in motion.