The only thing in the path of the Oakland Raiders move to Las Vegas was a NFL owners’ vote which required 24 of the 32 votes in favor. They got 31.
With the NFL approval, the team who has called Oakland home for 25 years will officially move to Nevada.
It’s official: The #Raiders are going to Vegas. They cleared the 24 vote threshold.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 27, 2017
The final tally to send the #Raiders to Las Vegas: 31-1. … the Las Vegas Raiders.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 27, 2017
The only owner not in favor of the move was Stephen Ross of the Miami Dolphins.
Raiders’ owner Mark Davis released a statement shortly after breaking the news –
“My father always said, ‘the greatness of the Raiders is in its future,’ and the opportunity to build a world-class stadium in the entertainment capital of the world is a significant step toward achieving that greatness. I would like to thank Commissioner Goodell, the National Football League and my 31 partners. I would also like to thank Governor Brian Sandoval and the Nevada Legislature for their commitment. Finally, I would like to thank Sheldon Adelson for his vision and leadership, without which this project never would have become a reality.
“The Raiders were born in Oakland and Oakland will always be part of our DNA. We know that some fans will be disappointed and even angry, but we hope that they do not direct that frustration to the players, coaches and staff. We plan to play at the Coliseum in 2017 and 2018, and hope to stay there as the Oakland Raiders until the new stadium opens. We would love nothing more than to bring a championship back to the Bay Area.”
Renderings show what the team’s new stadium will likely look like –
The relocation is the third NFL franchise to move to another city in just two years, with previously both the Rams and Chargers relocating to Los Angeles from St. Louis and San Diego, respectively.
The team will remain in Oakland at Oakland Alameda Coliseum for the 2017 and 2018 seasons before playing in their new home in 2019.
