Jones likes idea of team in Vegas
Cowboys owner sees opportunity for NFL, Raiders in Sin City
When casino owner Steve Wynn got before the Nevada Legislature to talk about bringing the NFL to Las Vegas, he specifically said two influential owners had told him the league was on board— and at least one of those owners said Wynn was spot- on.
“I would say ‘ amen,’ ” Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told reporters during the NFL meetings Tuesday. “Steve is a valued friend, and Sheldon ( Adelson) is as well. I admire Jim( Murren) and what they do with MGM, and I just admire what Nevada, Las Vegas, is about.
“It’s a compliment to the NFL that they’re considering supporting a team. And so, I think it’s a great opportunity for everybody concerned, and I’m looking forward to the future.”
Adelson, the CEO of Las Vegas Sands Corp., has pledged $ 650 million toward the project, though details of the business deal Adelson is proposing have yet to emerge. Another of the many questions that must be answered as the league gathers information is the reliance on revenue streams tied to the gambling industry.
But the idea of putting a team in Sin City has support from the league, according to Wynn, who told legislators, “Jerry Jones and ( New England Patriots owner) Robert Kraft have told me the NFL is ready to do it.”
Oakland Raiders owner Mark Davis declined to comment Tuesday in advance of a scheduled briefing Wednesday to update other owners on his team’s stadium situation.
“Until then, I don’t want to say anything to you guys, because I’d rather tell them first,” Davis said.
A lot of factors go into relocation, which would have to be approved by 24 of the 32 NFL team owners. But at least the idea of the Las Vegas Raiders seems to have support from Jones, who was instrumental in the Rams getting to move to Los Angeles this year.
“I think it’s a great matchup, and I’m really impressed by the leadership … and I’m impressed by the fact that financially, the people that will be supporting Mark Davis’ effort to bring those Raiders there are as excited as they are about it,” Jones said.
“That alonemakes me want to be very active and very excited about the Raiders and the possibilities.”