The San Francisco 49ers will open up business this season at the new Levi's Stadium. Will there be a day when the Oakland Raiders also call Santa Clara home?
The Raiders have one year remaining on their lease at O.co Coliseum and have been squabbling with the Oakland Athletics, their longtime co-tenant at the antiquated stadium. On Thursday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell dropped some intrigue by suggesting the possibility that the Raiders become a tenant in the Niners' new facility.
"Well, we have two pro teams in the Bay Area. Obviously, the stadium issue in Oakland's going to have to be resolved, too," Goodell said during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Levi's Stadium. "We believe a new stadium is appropriate for the Raiders. They have to make that determination whether they're in a new stadium in Oakland or whether they feel that it's best to join this stadium. We're working on that, and that's one of the decisions they'll have to make."
Niners CEO Jed York is open to two teams playing at Levi's Stadium. The NFL loaned the 49ers $200 million to help fund Levi's Stadium and could be looking for a favor in return. The biggest obstacle could be Raiders owner Mark Davis, who has repeatedly stated he doesn't want the Raiders to be renters in another team's building.
The Raiders could benefit from a short-term marriage with the Niners while they work through their issues with the A's and O.co Coliseum. Goodell's comments make you wonder if something is cooking behind the scenes.
The latest "Around The League Podcast" invites Bucky Brooks in-studio for a team-by-team AFC training camp preview.