Clark County Commission Chair Steve Sisolak first announced the filing of the paperwork. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy confirmed the news, while Ian Rapoport of NFL Network noted there will likely be a vote in March on the move.
Rapoport first reported on Jan. 14 that the Raiders would take the step toward relocation when it became evident that Oakland had no plans in place to keep the team.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr expressed confusion regarding the significance of the filing Thursday:
Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf issued a statement on the relocation, per Daniel Kaplan of SportsBusiness Journal (via Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk):
It's no surprise that the Raiders have filed for relocation. Oakland welcomes the chance to show them and the NFL's other owners why Oakland is the only home for the Raiders and always will be. Our winning team of the Lott Group, the County and my colleagues on the Oakland City Council has accomplished so much in the last few months. We've identified the mechanisms to responsibly finance public infrastructure improvements, we have in the Lott Group a private partner prepared to finance stadium construction, and we have an entitled site for a world-class NFL stadium and new development that enhances fan experience while invigorating East Oakland's economy.
But this isn't all Oakland has to offer. Oakland's Raiders stadium will be on the most transit-accessible site in the nation, in the sixth largest television market, and in one of the wealthiest and most innovative regions in the world. But above all else, Oakland has something no other city ever will — a die-hard fan base that is loyal and true to the Raiders and wants to see them stay here in Oakland where they were founded. Only Oakland brings the Raiders and the NFL a competiti...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
