AEG In Talks To Move NFL, NBA Drafts To L.A.; Vows To Pursue SB

Leiweke Says NFL's Return To L.A. Is Critical, So AEG May Recruit Super Bowl To Aid Effort

AEG President & CEO Tim Leiweke Thursday said that the company is "in talks to move" the NFL and NBA drafts from N.Y. to L.A., according to Scott Soshnick of BLOOMBERG NEWS. Leiweke also said that AEG will be "'very aggressive' in bidding for a Super Bowl" in L.A., which has not had an NFL team since '94. Leiweke: "It’s critical we get the NFL back. If doing a Super Bowl or doing the draft ultimately helps bring the NFL back to L.A., then it takes on an even greater importance than just the event itself.” Leiweke also indicated that AEG is "looking to acquire" the NHL All-Star Game, and that the company is "engaged in talks with all three leagues." However, NBA Commissioner David Stern said that he "wasn't aware of any talks with AEG about moving the draft." NFL VP/Communications Brian McCarthy in an e-mail said that "'numerous cities,' including Los Angeles, have expressed interest in hosting the draft" (BLOOMBERG NEWS, 5/28).