Latest Rumors, Updates Surrounding Potential NFL Franchise in Los Angeles

Updates from Wednesday, Oct. 8

Roger Goodell spoke with the media on a variety of issues Wednesday during the fall league meetings and was asked about a team moving to Los Angeles. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network captured his response: 

Bleacher Report NFL Insider Jason Cole broke down what a potential move to LA would mean to the Raiders franchise:

Original Text

The National Football League could be making a big return to Los Angeles that could see not one, but perhaps two franchises make the move to the City of Angels within the next few years.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported the news Sunday.     

"As the 20th anniversary of the NFL’s departure from Los Angeles, the NFL seems closer than ever to returning," writes Florio. "Per a league source, the current plan is that the NFL will send one or two teams back to Los Angeles within the next 12 to 24 months."

Bleacher Report's Jason Cole analyzed the prospective development, alluding to the proposed expansion of Anschutz Entertainment Group, which owns the Staples Center:

"

Interesting that story of #NFL returning to LA in 12 to 24 months come as LA City Council decides on extension of AEG idea in downtown.

— Jason Cole (@JasonPhilCole) October 6, 2014"

Among the top contenders to move to L.A. are the San Diego Chargers, Oakland Raiders and St. Louis Rams. All of them have played in the city before, and until a new stadium would be erected in Los Angeles, the prospective team or teams would play in the L.A. Coliseum or Rose Bowl.

Florio noted that the Buffalo Bills aren't among the franchises being considered.

Thus far in the 2014 season, Oakland and St. Louis—the last two teams to call Los Angeles home—have a combined 1-7 record. Either organization could use a change of scenery to refresh their respective outlooks.

In that context, since the Raiders' stadium deal expires after the current year, they seem like a prime candidate to head south.