Roger Goodell Lists Rules For Teams Wanting To Move To Los Angeles

A NFL franchise moving to Los Angeles is seeming like more and more of a possibility. Today, Dictator Roger Goodell sent out a memo to all 32 NFL teams detailing the moves that would be necessary in order for any team to relocate to Los Angeles. A few teams —  the San Diego Chargers, Oakland Raiders, St. Louis Rams — have been mentioned as teams considering a move to one of the nations biggest sports markets.

“Although substantial uncertainties remain,” Goodell wrote, “stadium development in Los Angeles has advanced to the point where the prospects for a new facility are better than they have been in many years.”

The most important note in the memo seemed to be that the NFL will control if and when a team moves to L.A., not the team itself.  Goodell also states that a new stadium in Los Angeles could result in two teams for the market and a league expansion to 34 teams.

“Consistent with our long-standing view, we have made it clear that any stadium seeking investment support from the 32 member clubs should preserve a viable option of being able to host two teams at appropriate times and on appropriate terms.

“The overall goal, as we have frequently said, is to ensure that any league re-entry to the Los Angeles market is as successful as possible, both for the club or clubs that will play there and for the league as a whole.”

Here are some of the requirements for a team to move to LA, per the Los Angeles Times:

"•Negotiate a deal with an alternative site — in this case the Coliseum or Rose Bowl — which can play host to games while a stadium is being constructed, and keep the league fully apprised of every step in those negotiations.•Submit within the first 1 1/2 months of 2013 an application to relocate. “If no application is received for the 2013 season,” Goodell wrote, “we will consider when and under what circumstances clubs may apply for consent to relocate in a future season.”•Evaluate all stadium opportunities in its existing market, and consult with league staff on those. Unstated by Goodell, but implied by the league, is that the Raiders, for instance, would have to explain why it would be more practical to relocate than share a stadium in Santa Clara with the 49ers.•Show that it not only has an appropriate stadium solution in the L.A. market but one that has in place a marketing plan, naming rights, and can make financial guarantees to the league."

While it is unlikely that a move to LA is going to happen soon, it does appear that the league and Goodell are strongly considering the move.

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