NFL sends memo to all 32 teams about possible Raiders move to Las Vegas

The National Football League on Friday sent a memo to all 32 teams outlining a possible Raiders move to Las Vegas and instructions on how to handle any questions about it.

Most importantly, it discourages teams from assuming a Raiders move to Las Vegas would not be supported by the league and that there are no prohibitions under league rules on a team moving to any particular city.

That doesn’t mean the Raiders would get the necessary 24 votes to move to Las Vegas if they apply for relocation there. But it’s obvious the league will take a look at relocation to Las Vegas as seriously and diligently as they would a move to any city.

Incidentally, Raiders owners Mark Davis and team staff met Friday with Las Vegas Sands chairman and CEO Sheldon Adelson about Adelson’s plans to build $1 billion domed stadium on the UNLV campus. The stadium could be a potential landing spot for the Raiders, who are waiting out the San Diego Chargers decision on whether to join the Rams in Los Angeles or remain long term in San Diego.

If the Chargers stay in San Diego, the Raiders would strongly consider joining the Rams in L.A. But if the Chargers move to Los Angeles, the Raiders would absolutely turn to San Diego as a potential new home.

And perhaps even Las Vegas.

Here are the contents of the emailed memo NFL teams received Friday:

There have been reports over the last day about a proposal to construct a new stadium in Las Vegas in connection with a possible move of the Raiders to Las Vegas. If your club owner or executives are asked about this, there is no need to comment. If any comment is offered, please keep the following points in mind:

1. All decisions regarding the location of teams are made by the full membership. Three-fourths of the member clubs must approve any team move.

2. No proposal made to the league. It would be speculative to suggest that your club would or would not support such a proposal. If such a proposal is made, it would be considered under the league’s relocation policies.

3. There is no prohibition under league rules on a team moving to any particular city. Any proposal for relocation would be evaluated based on the same standards as apply to any proposed move. Those standards are well-known, having just been applied in connection with relocation proposals to Los Angeles.

Let us know if you have any questions.