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The NFL is hosting its annual Winter League Meeting in Irving, Texas, today. The major topic of discussion? The potential relocation of the San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders.
The first domino in question was the lease proposal up for agreement that would allow the Chargers to co-occupy the stadium in Inglewood and approve a debt waiver to help the Chargers pay for relocation.
Perhaps unsurprisingly given the momentum of the last 12 months, both were approved:
#Chargers lease agreement with #Rams approved today by owners. Also approved #Chargers using debt waiver to finance part of relo fee.
— Fred Roggin (@FredNBCLA) December 14, 2016
NFL has approved a debt waiver that would allow Chargers to take out loan to pay $650 million relo fee and pay it back over longer period.
— Sam Farmer (@LATimesfarmer) December 14, 2016
What’s clear is that the owners won’t stand in the way of the Chargers moving about 120 miles up I-5. What’s not clear is if San Diego can come up with a fourth down solution to close the funding gap needed for a new stadium by a couple of hundred million dollars. They’re at least drawing up one hail mary to attempt, but what’s clear is that time is short and opposition doesn’t exist.
All things being considered, it seems more likely than not that the Chargers will be joining the Rams in LA.