With the Chargers out of stadium options in San Diego and now less than two months away from a window to execute an option to join the Rams in Los Angeles, ownership remains in close contact with Rams owner Stan Kroenke regarding a potential move. The tenor of those conversations has continued to improve, according to league sources, as Chargers owner Dean Spanos explores options in the L.A. market.
There remains a strong chance the Chargers' relocation fee to move to Los Angeles decreases before a final deal is struck, sources said, and Kroenke is uniquely motivated to move the process along. The Rams cannot begin to sell personal seat licenses and suite deals until he has closure on whether it's the Chargers or Raiders joining him, and he is eager to get those sales started to help fund the massive financial undertaking of constructing his new stadium in Inglewood. Spanos could conceivably ask for an extension of his window to move -- which would have repercussions on the Rams -- and Spanos has more leverage in this matter than many believe.
The Chargers continue to investigate possibly playing games in 2017 and 2018 in the StubHub Center in Carson, California, as well, sources said, as the Inglewood project would not be complete until 2019. They would need a temporary home, and while the attendance in that facility is not nearly as big as the NFL norm, the location appeals to the Chargers brass and the intimate setting would be unique as well. It is viewed by some in the organization as a superior alternative to being the third tenant in the Los Angeles Coliseum, behind the Rams and Southern California.
Spanos must decide in January whether to join Kroenke in Los Angeles, seek an extension to possibly move (which is not expected) or whether to stay in San Diego despite the bleak stadium situation.
