Raiders’ move nothing new for sports editor

I like to say I have the best job in the world. It’s just that the world around me keeps moving.

The Raiders’ announced move to Las Vegas on Monday is big news, but it’s nothing new for me. At each of my last four newspaper jobs I have been involved in coverage of a team move.

■ In 1993 as deputy sports editor of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, I watched the Minnesota North Stars move to Dallas. One year later, I saw the Minnesota Timberwolves move to New Orleans — only to see the sale rejected.

■ In 1995 as deputy sports editor of the Arizona Republic, the Winnipeg Jets became the Phoenix Coyotes. That was about eight months after the Arizona Diamondbacks were granted an MLB franchise.

■ In 1999, I arrived as sports editor at the Nashville Tennessean at the same time the Tennessee Titans arrived in Nashville and just as the Nashville Predators had finished their first season.

■ In the late 2000s, as sports editor of the Sacramento Bee, I watched the Sacramento Kings nearly move twice.

■ And on Monday, the Raiders announced they will move to Las Vegas. And that was just nine months after the Golden Knights were granted an NHL expansion franchise for our city.

The Raiders announcement is by far the biggest franchise change I’ve covered. Probably right behind it is the Diamondbacks’ inception.

But there’s nothing like an NFL team and how it takes over a market. Over the next few years, you’ll see how the Raiders’ interest will take over our market.

Who knows? NBA and MLB might on the way. After what I’ve been through in my career, I wouldn’t be surprised.

— Bill Bradley/Review-Journal sports editor