Mark Davis Tells Owners He's All-In For Raiders Move To Las Vegas

Mark Davis has reportedly told fellow NFL owners that he is going to file for the Oakland Raiders to move to Las Vegas. On Wednesday, Davis informed his colleagues of his decision.

One source present during Davis’ presentation at league meetings in Houston told ESPN, “Mark Davis said that he was committed to Las Vegas 100 percent, and that there were several market studies being done by the Raiders.”

Davis went on to say he hadn’t shut the door on any options, but doesn’t believe Oakland can keep the team. The city and the Raiders have mounted numerous failed attempts to develop a workable plan for a new stadium.

Nevada lawmakers have already approved a plan to raise $750 million for a stadium that relies on an increase in hotel taxes in the Las Vegas area. Billionaire Sheldon Adelson has pledged $650 million towards the project, and the Raiders and the NFL will add $500 million. More than $400 million from the tax increase will also go towards an upgrade and expansion for the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Obviously any relocation effort must be approved by three-fourths of the NFL’s 32 owners, but a move to Las Vegas probably wouldn’t face stiff opposition.

The Raiders also have a potential move to Los Angeles on the table if the San Diego Chargers manage to find a stadium solution in their hometown.

Regardless of what happens with Las Vegas, the Raiders are set to spend the next two seasons in Oakland before departing. A suitable stadium must be built in Sin City before a move can take place, and obviously that’s going to take a few years.