Anschutz poised to buy 35 percent of Chargers

[Kulluminatii]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...rgers/related/

Posted by Mike Florio on November 30, 2010, 10:29 PM EST

From an unlikely news outlet comes the latest development in the looming push to put an NFL team back in Los Angeles. Veteran Toronto-based sports personality Bob McCown of the Fan 590 reports that Philip Anschutz “has or will purchase” 35 percent of the Chargers.



McCown adds that the move “apparently” will be the first step in a move of the team to Los Angeles.

The report meshes with recent remarks from Chargers special counsel Mark Fabiani, who attempted to throw water on a potential connection between an attempt to sell a chunk of the franchise and the rumors of a possible move of the team to L.A.

“We are concerned,” Fabiani told the San Diego Union-Tribune. “There’s been a confluence, a merging of several different stories, and we’re going to have to work hard to see that people know the real facts.”

But Fabiani added this little tidbit: “If AEG buys a piece of this team, then people have a right to be concerned.”

Anschutz is AEG, and if McCown’s report is accurate, it soon will be time for folks in San Diego to worry about their team moving back to the city where it played its first AFL season.

If this turns out to be true, then this stadium that Roski was trying to build on the outskirts of LA is pretty much history. The stadium plan that Anschutz is a part of will be built in downtown LA. Can't really say I'm happy with the news, but the Chargers moving to LA makes the most sense.

[Kulluminatii]

Vikings drop the “L” word

Posted by Mike Florio on November 30, 2010, 4:37 PM EST

With the Vikings preparing for what could be their last push toward getting a new stadium built in Minnesota, the man in charge of the franchise’s efforts has invoked the name of a place that could send shock waves through Minnesota.

Los Angeles.

John Vomhof Jr. of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports that Vikings Vice President of Stadium Development and Public Affairs Lester Bagley confirmed during an online chat that the team has been approached by the two groups that want to bring a team to Los Angeles.

One group, led by Ed Roski, wants to build a stadium in City of Industry. The other, led by Tim Leiweke and Casey Wasserman, wants to build a stadium in downtown L.A. Leiweke recently told ESPN that his group will defer to the NFL regarding the selection of the team that would move to L.A.

Though Bagley stressed that the Vikings want to find a stadium solution in Minnesota, Los Angeles provides them with leverage. And it also provides them with a viable alternative, if folks in Minnesota ultimately fail to authorize the use of public funds for a portion of the construction costs.

Either way, something needs to happen soon. The Vikings’ lease at the Metrodome expires after the 2011 season.

Don't know what the hell is going on. Guess it'll be a race to see which stadium group could convince a team to move to their proposed stadium first? I would MUCH rather have the Vikings in LA than the Chargers. I'd feel bad for the fans in Minny, but if they can't get a new stadium deal finalized I guess its goodbye for them. If the Chargers do end up moving, I guess I could still cherish the fact that quite a few grown men in SD will be crying themselves to sleep at night for months . Majority of those in San Diego HATE LA with a passion and would stop supporting the team..

[Hookem Horns]

The Chargers makes the most sense to me. The Chargers started in LA and is the original owner of the team. Until I visited there I didn't realize how close LA and SD actually are. Fans in SD could easily drive up to LA for games. Of course I realize you have the whole SD hating LA thing and many would not.

As for the Vikings, why not? LA already stole their NBA team.

So the big question is where does this leave the Jaguars? San Diego Jaguars? Minnesota Jaguars? San Antonio Jaguars?

[Kulluminatii]

Originally Posted by Hookem Horns

As for the Vikings, why not? LA already stole their NBA team.

Yeah, thats why I would feel bad if the Vikings moved as well. I have a feeling the Vikings are using the LA Stadium as leverage to force Minnesota's hand to get a new stadium deal done. It makes the most sense to me. They have a strong & passionate fanbase in Minny, as far as I can recall they don't have any trouble selling out games...the stadium is the only problem they have and if they can take care of that they'll be set in Minny permanently.

Originally Posted by Hookem Horns

So the big question is where does this leave the Jaguars? San Diego Jaguars? Minnesota Jaguars? San Antonio Jaguars?

Who knows, perhaps they'll stay in Jacksonville? I know people make fun of their weak fan support & blackouts, but is it really THAT bad in Jax? I remember a Jax fan on here a few weeks ago posted that they only had 2 blackouts this season. That's not too bad, the Chargers have had 3...and the Raiders...hell almost all of their games have been blacked out except for 1.

[Hookem Horns]

Originally Posted by Kulluminatii

Yeah, thats why I would feel bad if the Vikings moved as well. I have a feeling the Vikings are using the LA Stadium as leverage to force Minnesota's hand to get a new stadium deal done. It makes the most sense to me. They have a strong & passionate fanbase in Minny, as far as I can recall they don't have any trouble selling out games...the stadium is the only problem they have and if they can take care of that they'll be set in Minny permanently.

That sounds familiar to us Houston fans.

Who knows, perhaps they'll stay in Jacksonville? I know people make fun of their weak fan support & blackouts, but is it really THAT bad in Jax? I remember a Jax fan on here a few weeks ago posted that they only had 2 blackouts this season. That's not too bad, the Chargers have had 3...and the Raiders...hell almost all of their games have been blacked out except for 1.

I visited Jax this season and enjoyed the game day atmosphere there. I don't want them to move to be honest.

[houstonspartan]

Guys, the big elephant in the room for the NFL is Jacksonville. They HAVE to do something about that franchise. San Diego and Minnesota have issues, too, but those can wait.

Jacksonville must be dealt with ASAP.

[IDEXAN]

Originally Posted by houstonspartan

Guys, the big elephant in the room for the NFL is Jacksonville. They HAVE to do something about that franchise. San Diego and Minnesota have issues, too, but those can wait.

Jacksonville must be dealt with ASAP.

Why do you think the situation in Jacksonsville is so dire that it has to be
"dealt with ASAP" ?

[houstonspartan]

Originally Posted by IDEXAN

Why do you think the situation in Jacksonsville is so dire that it has to be
"dealt with ASAP" ?

Because it's tiny market in a very crowded sports state and there's little chance of their economy turning around to the point where they can sustain a team over the long term.

Minnesota, ultimately, can support the Vikings. There's not a lot around there for hundreds of miles. The fan base up there is solid. San Diego may struggle, but they're in better shape than Jacksonville to suport an NFL team.

I like the Jags, and really like Jack DelRio as a coach, but, as a franchise, it was a huge mistake.

This piece by Dan Wietzel lays it out pretty well:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=dw-jaguars092109

[mootini]

Originally Posted by houstonspartan

Because it's tiny market in a very crowded sports state and there's little chance of their economy turning around to the point where they can sustain a team over the long term.

Minnesota, ultimately, can support the Vikings. There's not a lot around there for hundreds of miles. The fan base up there is solid. San Diego may struggle, but they're in better shape than Jacksonville to suport an NFL team.

I like the Jags, and really like Jack DelRio as a coach, but, as a franchise, it was a huge mistake.

This piece by Dan Wietzel lays it out pretty well:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=dw-jaguars092109

LOL Dan Wietzel....good source! Jags are not moving, as long as Wayne Weaver runs/owns the franchise. It's not a mistake for the Jags in Jax...Sorry, Chargers have had already 3 games blacked out this season, Jags = zero! Stop reading national media and look at the local Jax media to get the truth.

[mootini]

Originally Posted by Kulluminatii

Yeah, thats why I would feel bad if the Vikings moved as well. I have a feeling the Vikings are using the LA Stadium as leverage to force Minnesota's hand to get a new stadium deal done. It makes the most sense to me. They have a strong & passionate fanbase in Minny, as far as I can recall they don't have any trouble selling out games...the stadium is the only problem they have and if they can take care of that they'll be set in Minny permanently.




Who knows, perhaps they'll stay in Jacksonville? I know people make fun of their weak fan support & blackouts, but is it really THAT bad in Jax? I remember a Jax fan on here a few weeks ago posted that they only had 2 blackouts this season. That's not too bad, the Chargers have had 3...and the Raiders...hell almost all of their games have been blacked out except for 1.

Sorry Raider fan, no (ZERO) blackouts for the Jags this season, how about those Raiders? It's not that bad in Jax!
I'll tried to explain last year and this year, the national media has painted the Jags to be the poster boy for the move to LA. It's not gonna happen. The owner Wayne Weaver advised he will never sell as long as he owns/lives. Check out those 7-4 Bucs...all there games have been blacked out, because the owner finally said enough...stopped buying up the unused tickets. Wayne Weaver did this last season, caused 7 games to be blacked out. These blackouts caused the national media to pick on the 2nd smallest market team, whom have only been this the league for 15 years.

I'd be nervous, if I was a fan for the Raiders/Vikings/Chargers at this point.

[mootini]

Originally Posted by houstonspartan

Guys, the big elephant in the room for the NFL is Jacksonville. They HAVE to do something about that franchise. San Diego and Minnesota have issues, too, but those can wait.

Jacksonville must be dealt with ASAP.

Makes my head scratch on this one! ASAP???? Let's see, the Chargers where originally from LA and want a new stadium. Vikings also in the market for a stadium. How about those Raiders? Why did they go back to Oakland?.....oh, that's right, the stadium issue in LA, is now about resolved.

[mootini]

Originally Posted by Hookem Horns

The Chargers makes the most sense to me. The Chargers started in LA and is the original owner of the team. Until I visited there I didn't realize how close LA and SD actually are. Fans in SD could easily drive up to LA for games. Of course I realize you have the whole SD hating LA thing and many would not.

As for the Vikings, why not? LA already stole their NBA team.

So the big question is where does this leave the Jaguars? San Diego Jaguars? Minnesota Jaguars? San Antonio Jaguars?

Jags staying in JAX!

[houstonspartan]

Originally Posted by mootini

Makes my head scratch on this one! ASAP???? Let's see, the Chargers where originally from LA and want a new stadium. Vikings also in the market for a stadium. How about those Raiders? Why did they go back to Oakland?.....oh, that's right, the stadium issue in LA, is now about resolved.

Look, I didn't say I wanted Jax to move. I like the Jags. But the inevitable is the inevitable. That market cannot support that team.

And, I've heard that Wayne Weaver talks out of both sides of his mouth. Don't assume that he wouldn't cut off his arm to dump the Jags for a big payout if given the chance.

You say to ignore the national media and pay attention to the local media? Ok. Didn't the Jags team writer for their web site write a very serious, passionate plea to fans earlier this year, saying, essentially, that the team was on it's last legs and that if they wanted the Jags they'd better support it? can't get more local than that.

There is much, MUCH more marketing and television money in Minneapolis, San Diego and Los Angeles than there is in Jacksonville. That's just a fact.

I'm just being real here.

[Kulluminatii]

Originally Posted by mootini

Sorry Raider fan, no (ZERO) blackouts for the Jags this season, how about those Raiders? It's not that bad in Jax!
I'll tried to explain last year and this year, the national media has painted the Jags to be the poster boy for the move to LA. It's not gonna happen. The owner Wayne Weaver advised he will never sell as long as he owns/lives. Check out those 7-4 Bucs...all there games have been blacked out, because the owner finally said enough...stopped buying up the unused tickets. Wayne Weaver did this last season, caused 7 games to be blacked out. These blackouts caused the national media to pick on the 2nd smallest market team, whom have only been this the league for 15 years.

I'd be nervous, if I was a fan for the Raiders/Vikings/Chargers at this point.

The Raiders aren't going anywhere as long as Al Davis is still the owner of that team. Both the stadium ownership groups want at least a 30% stake in a team and that senile SOB wouldn't give them a percent. Plus, I doubt either group would approach Al unless they were looking to buy majority ownership. Al has driven the Raiders into the ground in Oakland, there is no guarantee he wouldn't do the same if the team moved to LA. The ownership groups over there can't afford another failure.

I'm surprised, zero blackouts...and this is without your owner buying up tickets? Congrats, but I think you already know that the Jags will always be in contention about moving until a team is in LA. The national media already has a preconceived notion about you guys having a weak fan base, and I guess it'll take a couple of years to get rid of that image...or a SB win .

[Kulluminatii]

Magic joining group that wants NFL team back in Los Angeles

Magic Johnson officially announced his intention to bring an NFL team back to Los Angeles.

The former Lakers great appeared Tuesday night on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and said he is formally joining a group that's planning to build a downtown Los Angeles stadium for the purpose of housing an NFL franchise, according to The USA Today.

"I'm announcing this today: I've teamed up with Tim Leiweke at AEG, and we're gonna come together to bring the NFL back to Los Angeles," Johnson said.

AEG (Anschutz Entertainment Group) has proposed building an NFL stadium in downtown L.A., but the project is only at the conceptual stage.

No NFL team is set to move to Los Angeles right now. A San Diego Chargers attorney on Wednesday shot down a report that AEG's Philip Anschutz is planning to buy 35 percent of the franchise.

The Chargers recently announced that owner Alex Spanos is looking to sell a minority stake to help with estate planning. Spanos, 87, a billionaire developer who lives in Stockton, revealed two years ago that he suffers from dementia.

Lester Bagley, the Minnesota Vikings' vice president of public affairs, also revealed this week that the team has been approached by two groups -- one of them AEG -- about relocating to Los Angeles.

Despite being the nation's second-largest televison market, Los Angeles has been without an NFL team since both the Rams and Raiders left following the 1994 season.

With Magic joining Anschutz(AEG), they'll have a better chance to attract a team to LA over Roski's group. If there isn't a lockout, then we may see a team playing in LA next season while the stadium is being built.

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say the Chargers will be moving, what about you guys? Will it be the Chargers, Vikings, Jaguars, or a team that no one is expecting?

[JB]

Didn't this story come out like 6 years ago?

[Kulluminatii]

Originally Posted by JB

Didn't this story come out like 6 years ago?

Which story are you talking about sir, since we have about 3-4 posted in this thread.

If you are talking about Magic joining a group to bring a team to LA, I'm not sure. I don't think he's ever publicly come out and said it before.

[JB]

Originally Posted by Kulluminatii

Which story are you talking about sir, since we have about 3-4 posted in this thread.

If you are talking about Magic joining a group to bring a team to LA, I'm not sure. I don't think he's ever publicly come out and said it before.

Yeah he did! It was a few years back the last time this crap came up!


And don't call me sir! I work for a living!

[Kulluminatii]

Originally Posted by JB

And don't call me sir! I work for a living!

Sure thing gramps.

Originally Posted by JB

Yeah he did! It was a few years back the last time this crap came up!

Well, I wouldn't be surprised if he's previously stated he would like a team in LA. Magic doesn't have the financial backing to bring a franchise to LA by himself, but now that there are two groups who have the $ and the plans to lure a team I guess he can finally fullfill his dream to be an part-owner of an NFL team.

[jaayteetx]

Originally Posted by mootini

Jags staying in JAX!

And tarp manufacters everywhere rejoice!