Rams Reportedly On The Market, L.A. Relocation Possible

Rams, Jaguars Seen As Possible Candidates To End Up In L.A.

The Rams are "on the market" and are "being shopped in the [$850-900M] range," according to sources cited by Michael Silver of YAHOO SPORTS. The sale of the franchise "could have major ramifications, with a potential return of the team to Southern California hanging over any transaction." Former 49ers Owner Eddie DeBartolo is "one of the prospective buyers who has had preliminary discussions with an intermediary about buying" the team. DeBartolo last week said Rams co-Owners Chip Rosenbloom and Lucia Rodriguez have "decided to sell the team." DeBartolo: "I know that they are definitely in play. ... I've talked to some people who are brokering things, and they've told me about the price and what the deal might entail." Rams President John Shaw declined to comment on a potential sale. DeBartolo said of the Rams returning to L.A. under new ownership, "Their lease (at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis) is up in 2012, and they would be a natural for that to happen. ... But it wouldn't be my first choice of a franchise if I chose to get back in." An NFL owner familiar with the situation said that "at least two groups not involving DeBartolo have had discussions with those brokering the sale about a possible purchase." The owner said that it appears "unlikely that [Rams Minority Owner] Stan Kroenke ... will try to buy out [Rosenbloom and Rodriguez] and assume control of the franchise."

JAGUARS: Meanwhile, one high-ranking NFL source said that the Jaguars are "another team that might be sold and relocated to L.A. and that owner Wayne Weaver has solicited potential buyers in recent months" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 5/20).