Earlier today, word got out that the NFL sent a memo to all 32 teams to address the issue of potential relocation to Los Angeles. Commissioner Roger Goodell indicated "stadium development in Los Angeles has advanced to the point where the prospects for a new facility are better than they have been in many years." Apparently given the advancements there and chatter among some teams, Goodell wanted to emphasize the rules and procedures that will be in place for any potential relocation to Los Angeles.
Goodell stated that in order for a team to be considered for relocation to LA, they must submit an application between January 1 and February 15, 2013, with a vote likely to take place at the March 2013 annual owners' meeting. This does not guarantee a team in LA, but it at least sets things in motion. If one or two teams were approved for LA, a 2013 start would be possible even without a new stadium finished. A relocated team could play in the Rose Bowl or Coliseum pending the completion of a stadium.
Right now, the primary candidates would seem to be some mix of the Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers, St. Louis Rams and Jacksonville Jaguars. New Jags owner Shad Khan has committed to staying in Jacksonville, but I would imagine that could always change. Personally, I think the Raiders and Chargers lead the way, with the Rams a close second given all the shenanigans in St. Louis.
As a 49ers fan, I would love to see the Rams relocate to LA. I still like them better as the LA Rams, but also it would cut down quite a bit on the 49ers annual travel mileage. I actually think it will end up being the Raiders, but I'll keep my fingers crossed for the Rams. I also think there eventually will be two teams back in LA because of the market size, so we'll see how quickly that happens, if at all.
Who do you see ending up in Los Angeles?