SUNDAY, 9:24am: Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports writes that Eric Grubman, the NFL executive overseeing the relocation process, “acknowledged that there were multiple teams with the intent of moving to Los Angeles as soon as next season.” Grubman, speaking at last week’s owner’s meeting in Dallas, added that there were a number of options as to when and where those teams might relocate within the Los Angeles region. The most significant part of Grubman’s statement, however, was his reaffirmation that the NFL will have complete control over the process. As La Canfora writes, “it will be the league’s decision which team or teams, and on which timeline, they move to Los Angeles.” La Canfora adds that Rams officials are the most frustrated with the current pace of the process.
SATURDAY, 7:37pm: The NFL says it’s unclear if there will be an application for relocation to L.A. for 2015, according to Albert Breer of the NFL Network (Twitter link). The window for those applications is January 1st through February 15th, which is right around the corner.
SATURDAY, 9:54am: As reports surface about which teams could potentially find a new home in Los Angeles, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report took to Twitter to clarify the situation. In a series of tweets, Cole writes that the Rams and Chargers are essentially in a race to get to L.A. first (via Twitter).
The belief is that two teams will eventually make their way to Hollywood, but even though the Rams and Chargers are the top choices to get there first, it doesn’t mean those two will go together. The Raiders are trying to find a way to be the second team to move into the market. Although the team has a strong connection to the city, they cannot afford to move there themselves (via Twitter).
The Raiders have explored moving to Los Angeles and using the Rose Bowl and/or the Coliseum through UCLA and USC, respectively, but were told there is no interest in hosting the franchise on an interim basis (via Twitter). Since neither venue will take the Raiders while a new stadium is being built, the team needs someone else to build an NFL stadium in the city (via Twitter). The Raiders would need either the Rams or Chargers to move there first, saving the Raiders the time and money needed to build for themselves.
The Chargers were at one point considered the favorite to move, but Cole writes that the team does not want to leave San Diego (via Twitter). However, management realizes the team will not be able to remain at Qualcomm Stadium long term.
The Rams have their own holdups, as Cole writes that owner Stan Kroenke is hesitant to spend the money needed to invest in the move (via Twitter). The Rams have had the most discussions about moving, particularly in Inglewood.
Another option is an AEG Project the NFL is pushing, but neither the Chargers nor the Rams seem interested in the option (via Twitter). That deal would focus on bringing in only one team, so the Raiders wouldn’t draw much interest either (via Twitter).