The Chargers and their advisors are "beginning the process of digging into the framework" of the proposed deal to join the Rams in L.A., according to Vincent Bonsignore of the L.A. DAILY NEWS. Sources said that "whatever form the deal eventually takes, it will represent a true partnership between the Rams and Chargers." The "issue is timing -- at least as it relates to finalizing something in time" for the '16 season. Sources said that the Chargers "want to decide within the next two to three weeks whether a deal can get done." They "want clarity on whether they are moving to L.A. or staying in San Diego" because there "are tickets to sell and possibly an entire franchise to move." Bonsignore: "The question is, can they close such an important, franchise-altering deal -- and have assurances they will be protected over the duration of it -- in such a tight window?" Sources insist that the Chargers "will be protected in the deal." The Chargers also "have the word" of Rams Owner Stan Kroenke, who "stood in front of his fellow owners and pledged he will work fairly and honorably" with Chargers Chair Dean Spanos. NFL sources said that Kroenke "is well aware the eyes of the league are on him, and he has every intention of being a good partner" (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 1/15). In California, Scott Reid notes talks between the Chargers and Rams "will primarily focus on how much revenue the Chargers would be entitled to from suites, personal seat licenses, general admission tickets, naming rights or cornerstone rights, and other stadium-related products either as a partner or a tenant" (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 1/15).
FINAL DECISION IS NEEDED: In San Diego, Kevin Acee writes the NFL "loves San Diego, knows its value, would like the city to remain a part of the family." It is now up to Spanos to "assess his potential return on investment" in San Diego versus L.A. He and his siblings "need to decide between actual wealth versus paper wealth, cash flow against debt ratio and that sort of thing." Meanwhile, if it gets Spanos’ call, the city "needs to be flexible, committed to a smart deal versus just committed to a Mission Valley deal." San Diego "needs to know what it’s being asked, then say what it thinks it can do." Also, the NFL "can do more." The $100M gift, "which will be in addition to the team-friendly" $200M G4 loan, "is not all the NFL can do to help the Chargers and Raiders build their own stadiums" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 1/15).
