By KYLE ITO
Staff Writer
Los Angeles sports fans are longing for an National Football League (NFL) team once again after several years without one. After the 1994 NFL season, the Los Angeles Raiders and Rams departed the city, leaving fans disappointed. Los Angeles is one of the biggest sport cities, hosting professional teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers, Clippers, Kings and Dodgers.
Three NFL teams have shown interest in moving their franchises to Los Angeles. The Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers and St. Louis Rams have all taken action in moving to the city. All three teams have gained land in LA area. The Raiders and Chargers proposed a shared stadium plan in Carson.
Many fans have mixed opinions on this proposal. Personally, I do not think it would work out well because the two fan bases have a history of conflict. If the teams shared a stadium there would be tension within the stadium and in the parking lot. Yet, the proposal is still under discussion and there is a reasonable amount of support for the stadium. At the same time, nothing is promised and we cannot buy into the possibility that we may get any team in LA, let alone one. The markets in San Diego and Oakland may offer the franchises a better deal and incentive to stay in their current locations. In the past, many proposals from the Chargers and Raiders have failed.
On the other hand, the St. Louis Rams could be a good fit for Los Angeles because they are slowly improving as a team and could use a fresh start with a new stadium in a new city. Rams owner Stan Kroenke bought 60 acres of land in Inglewood, California in January, 2014. This indicated that the Rams were planning on moving to LA. Although this move has not been confirmed, many people are supporting the Rams and urging them to move back west.
Considering that three NFL teams are interested in moving, it is highly unlikely that all three teams will move to LA. It is uncertain if the Los Angeles market will support one team, let alone two or three. The Raiders and Chargers are pursuing this option to share a stadium in Carson because they have not had success in finding a permanent solution in their home markets so far. Moving franchises to a different location is difficult and owners might not enjoy the process. At the same time, however, sports fans in Los Angeles are eager for an NFL team to call the city home. We will have to wait and see what the future holds for a possible return of football to LA.