Reports say that the framework for a Chargers-Ram LA deal is around the corner, and that owner Dean Spanos is working out the details now. NBC 7’s Jim Laslavic breaks down what that means, and NBC 7’s Gene Cubbison looks into whether the Chargers will play in San Diego at all.
The San Diego Chargers are denying reports that they are anywhere close to a final deal with the St. Louis Rams to share a stadium in Inglewood, according to Chargers Special Counsel Mark Fabiani.
NBC Sports reporter Alex Flanagan reported Wednesday that Chargers owner Dean Spanos were currently reviewing the deal and "barring anything unforeseen, plan on going to LA."
However, Fabiani released a statement saying the negotiations need more time:
"Dean's comments from Tuesday night accurately represent the team's position: Dean will take some time to evaluate the new options that have been created for the Chargers by the owners' vote. No decisions have been made, and no serious review of a proposed framework for a Rams-Chargers deal has yet begun."
The details of a proposed Rams-Chargers joint stadium partnership have not been released.
The decision to stay in San Diego or leave for Los Angeles was left to Spanos after a game-changing vote by the NFL team owners in Houston Tuesday.
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The owners decided to move the Rams to LA, but they gave Spanos a year to work out a deal with Rams owner Stan Kroenke before deciding whether to relocate. Spanos told NBC 7 he planned to take a few weeks to look at his options.
Beginning Tuesday night, the owner started meeting with NFL and Rams representatives to hammer out a potential deal.
The Rams will begin playing in LA at a temporary stadium starting this coming season. It’s unclear if the Chargers would join them or stay at Qualcomm Stadium through the 2016 season. The Inglewood project won't be complete until 2019.
The Chargers will be on the hook for a $550 million relocation fee, to be paid to the NFL.
The delay in a definite decision gave hope to Chargers fans in San Diego who wanted more time for the team to work out a stadium deal in its current home. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said if the Chargers or Oakland Raiders ultimately decide to stay in their home markets, they will receive $100 million from the league to help build a new stadium.
San Diego city and county leaders said the movement gives the Chargers "an opportunity for a fresh start" in local negotiations, but they will only go back to the bargaining table if the Chargers give up plans to move to LA.
