After the NFL's 32 owners approved the Raiders' relocation from Oakland to Las Vegas by a near-unanimous decision Monday, owner Mark Davis released a statement about his team's move.
Davis confirmed the Raiders' plan is to remain in Oakland for the 2017 and 2018 season as they await their new facility in Sin City and intend to remain being called the Oakland Raiders until the move.
My father always said, 'the greatness of the Raiders is in its future,' and the opportunity to build a world-class stadium in the entertainment capital of the world is a significant step toward achieving that greatness. I would like to thank Commissioner Goodell, the National Football League and my 31 partners. I would also like to thank Gov. Brian Sandoval and the Nevada Legislature for their commitment. Finally, I would like to thank Sheldon Adelson for his vision and leadership, without which this project never would have become a reality.
The Raiders were born in Oakland and Oakland will always be part of our DNA. We know that some fans will be disappointed and even angry, but we hope that they do not direct that frustration to the players, coaches and staff. We plan to play at the Coliseum in 2017 and 2018, and hope to stay there as the Oakland Raiders until the new stadium opens. We would love nothing more than to bring a championship back to the Bay Area.
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Roger Goodell said the NFL and the Raiders are exploring options for the 2019 season, as they don't yet have a site to play in for that campaign.
The Raiders have a one-year lease option in Oakland in each of the next two seasons, and Davis said he'll try to work out an additional year to cover the 2019 season if the city and the team's fans are open to it.
Davis acknowledged the Raiders staying in Oakland for the foreseeable future will be difficult for local fans and said the team will refund any ticket holders for the upcoming season.
