Moving professional sports franchises from one city to another is not new. It has been happening for decades and has been a source of controversy and excitement for fans and cities alike. In recent years, the Oakland A’s have been signaling a move to Las Vegas, while the Raiders have already made the move, and the Las Vegas Golden Knights went from NHL expansion team status to have become a beloved team in the city. So why do pro sports franchises move from one city to another?
Financial Reasons
One of the main reasons pro sports franchises move from one city to another is financial. Teams are constantly looking for ways to increase revenue and profitability, sometimes, that means moving to a new city offering better financial opportunities. For example, the Raiders moved from Oakland to Las Vegas in 2020 partly because Las Vegas offered a larger market and more potential revenue streams.
Stadium Issues
Another reason pro sports franchises move is due to stadium issues. Teams need modern, state-of-the-art facilities to attract fans and generate revenue. If a team’s current stadium is outdated or in disrepair, they may consider moving to a city that offers a newer, more modern stadium. The Oakland A’s have been considering a move to Las Vegas partly because they have been unable to secure a new stadium in Oakland.
Fan Support
Sometimes a team may move to a new city because they believe they will receive better fan support. The Las Vegas Golden Knights are a perfect example of this. The team was an expansion team in the NHL in 2017 and quickly became a beloved team in Las Vegas. The city rallied around the team after the tragic shooting at the Route 91 Harvest music festival, and the Golden Knights symbolized the city’s hope and resilience.
Pro sports franchises decide to move from one city to another for a variety of reasons, including financial reasons, stadium issues, and fan support. The Oakland A’s are considering a move to Las Vegas, while the Raiders have already made the move, and the Las Vegas Golden Knights have become a beloved team in the city.
While these moves may be controversial, they are often necessary for teams to stay competitive and profitable in the ever-changing world of professional sports.
Is it true the Philadelphia Flyers tanked when you left the organization?
That’s a good one. I would say I was the first to leave and then shortly others who helped shape the non playing side followed. My. view was the departure of Jay Snider was a key trigger. Jay was never given the time or the credit he deserved. He was smart beyond his years and a very astute business leader.