Al Davis Death Sparks Rumors

With the Oct. 8 death of Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis comes renewed speculation that the NFL team could move either to Los Angeles, where two stadium proposals are on the table, or to Santa Clara, Calif., where the team could share a new stadium with the San Francisco 49ers.

Controlling interest in the Silver and Black is expected to go to Davis’s son Mark, according to the San Jose Mercury News, which could result in changes to the NFL’s relocation and stadium construction plans.

Al Davis was said to have spurned offers several months ago to move the team, according to the paper, because stadium developers wanted a stake in the Raiders. But that door could be cracked open again if Mark Davis decides to sell his family’s share.

Raiders CEO Amy Trask has said the Raiders were open-minded about a facility-sharing arrangement in either Oakland or Santa Clara, according to the Mercury News. And both stadium proposals in Los Angeles hinge on acquiring a team.

But team officials also say they have been meeting with O.co Coliseum and Oakland’s Coliseum Joint Powers Authority to discuss the Raiders’ future in that city.

“I am working with our team, our organization and the Raider family to navigate a very difficult time,” Trask told the paper.