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NFL: Oakland Raiders file application to move to Las Vegas

Mark Meadows
January 19, 2017

The gambling oasis is set to get its first professional American football team. The Oakland Raiders are seeking approval to be the latest NFL franchise to move cities, but many fans are not happy.

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Architektur Wynn Resor in Las Vegas
Image: picture-alliance/AP Photo

Las Vegas could be the new home of the Oakland Raiders, possibly by 2020, after the first step in the process was completed on Thursday.

"Today, the Oakland Raiders submitted an application to relocate their franchise to Las Vegas, as is provided for under the NFL Policy and Procedures for Proposed Franchise Relocations," the NFL statement read.

"The application will be reviewed in the coming weeks by league staff and the Stadium and Finance Committees. The relocation of a franchise requires the affirmative vote of three-quarters of the NFL clubs."

The Raiders, who used to play in Los Angeles from 1982-1994 before returning to their former home in Oakland, have become frustrated with officials in the Bay Area city as they look to build a new stadium.

Their search is now focused on Las Vegas, despite opposition from fan groups in Oakland.

The proposal comes a week after the Chargers said they were moving from San Diego to Los Angeles and a year after the Rams returned to L.A. from St. Louis.