With the Raiders’ 2019 home still in limbo, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell indicated this week that he wants the situation to be resolved “soon.”
The Oakland Raiders are awaiting their move to a new Las Vegas stadium in 2020, but the question of where they will play home games in 2019 remains unanswered. The Raiders do not have a lease for the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum next season, and the possibility of an extension has become questionable because of a lawsuit filed by the City of Oakland against the team and the NFL.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Goodell was asked about the team’s uncertain facility situation for 2019. While indicating that the Raiders are exploring various options, he also expressed the need for the situation to be settled in order for the league to finalize its schedule for 2019. More from the San Francisco Chronicle:
“Many of those issues are obviously issues that the Raiders are taking a lead on,” Goodell said. “They’ve been having a variety of discussions with officials looking at their options, making sure that they evaluate them. It’s unfortunate the litigation was filed prior to their final season in Oakland, but that’s the reality — that was filed by the city. I’m hopeful that they’ll get a resolution soon.
“As far as timing, the key thing about timing is our schedule. We need to make a schedule, obviously, for the 2019 season. And the sooner, the better for us.”
Goodell was then asked specifically if San Diego is a viable solution — and artfully sidestepped a specific response.
“I think the hope of (Raiders owner Mark Davis) is to continue to be in the Bay Area with Raider fans.”
Barring a situation in which the Raiders are able to return to the Coliseum, their options in the Bay Area could include the San Francisco Giants’ Oracle Park–which the team has been linked to–or Levi’s Stadium, the home of the 49ers in Santa Clara. However, whether those are realistic options or if the Raiders will have to look outside the Bay Area for a solution (or solutions) remains to be seen. Regardless, the situation will be watched closely over the coming weeks given its implications on the league’s 2019 schedule.
RELATED STORIES: Attorney Pitches Arizona Stadium as Raiders 2019 Home Venue; New Tottenham Stadium Could Become Raiders 2019 Home; Local Officials Balk at AT&T Park as Temporary Raiders Home; Lawsuit Raises Questions About Raiders 2019 Home