After the loss of the Raiders, a group of investors is applying for a new franchise in Oakland. If the NFL accepts the bid, it would be a historic decision in many ways.

Oakland could soon get a new NFL franchise, according to media reports. An African-American interest group has submitted an official letter of application to the NFL for a so-called “expansion franchise”, reports “Yahoo Sports” among others

A historic opportunity
The “African-American Sports and Entertainment Committee” would be the first African-American ownership group of an NFL franchise if the application is successful. “It would be a historic opportunity,” said Ray Bobbitt, a member of the committee. The bid is designed to create an object that will provide constant economic opportunities, especially for the African-American population.

“Our application is unique because it combines economic and educational aspects,” Bobbitt said. In addition to the construction of a new stadium, the committee is planning partner programs for nearby universities with a focus on sports and entertainment management and the training of security personnel. In addition, a museum integrated into the stadium will provide information about the city’s history and culture.

A franchise for the people of Oakland
The “African-American Sports and Entertainment Committee” would like to implement all these projects with its own financial means and without public support. “This committee unites different people who have the people of Oakland in mind and not just one guy who just wants to make a lot of money,” assures Bobbitt, who is himself socially involved in Oakland.

It wasn’t until early 2020 that the long-time NFL team from Oakland, the Raiders, moved to Las Vegas. After the Raiders were formed in the AFL in 1960, they joined the NFL in 1966 and subsequently won two Super Bowls. From 1982 to 1994, the Raiders played in Los Angeles and won a Super Bowl there as well, before returning to Oakland in 1995.

It remains to be seen whether the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell will actually establish a 33rd team in Oakland. In 2002, the Houston Texans became the last “expansion franchise” to join the NFL. At that time, the owners had to pay 700 million US dollars for the admission. If the NFL approves the application, the committee around Ray Bobbitt could expect an admission fee of one billion dollars.