Chargers Chair Dean Spanos said that a return of the franchise to San Diego is “not happening,” despite reports that some owners would like for him to change his mind, according to Vincent Bonsignore of the L.A. DAILY NEWS. Spanos said, “That’s not even a consideration. There’s no looking back. We’re moving forward.” He said that the “disappointment the NFL might feel is understandable” because no one "wanted to leave San Diego.” Spanos: “This wasn’t a decision I just woke up and made two weeks ago. ... We want to be in Los Angeles.” Bonsignore notes Spanos has “hit the ground running," meeting with L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti and Inglewood Mayor James Butts. The owners of the Lakers, Kings and Clippers all “opened their arms" to Spanos. Each has “lent advice and standing offers to reach out as needed as Spanos continues the process of settling into his new neighborhood.” Spanos: “The response has been overwhelming and very much appreciated. [Lakers Exec VP/Business Operations] Jeanie Buss, in particular, has been incredibly kind and gracious with her advice.” Bonsignore notes “up ahead” for Spanos is a meeting with LA 2024 Chair Casey Wasserman. Spanos: “L.A. is so big and there are so many people to meet and connect with. That’s not going to happen over night. It’s a process that will take time. But it’s very, very important to us that we’re not just in Los Angeles, we’re a part of Los Angeles." Bonsignore notes the Chargers will play the next two seasons at StubHub Center, and the 30,000-seat capacity stadium “offers a chance to ease into the market rather than force-feed things” at the 90,000-seat L.A. Memorial Coliseum. The Chargers “haven’t released season-ticket wait list numbers yet.” But Spanos said that the "only problem he anticipates is running out of seats to accommodate the interest” (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 1/25).
