FanNation

franchise relocation is good for leagues and owners-not fans

Why the Seattle Sonics are moving to OKC is obvious. Franchise relocation is good for leagues and owners. We learned that here in Baltimore. In 1984 the Colts moved from Baltimore to Indianapolis. In the following years Baltimore tried to obtain a new franchise via NFL expansion. When the NFL was expanding with 2 new franchises , many assumed either Baltimore or StLouis would get one of the expansion teams. Also vying for an expansion franchise were Tennessee , Oakland , Jaconsville and Carolina . Baltimore and StLoius had the best offers to the NFL. However when the 2 expansion franchises went to Jaconsville and Carolina instead , it set off a long list of happenings , which all benifited the NFL. StLouis built a new stadium and got the Rams to move there from LA. Baltimore built a new stadium and helped the Redskins build their new stadium in exchange for the Redskins helping Baltimore move the Browns to Baltimore from Cleveland. Cleveland got a new stadium and an expansion team as a result of losing the Browns. Tennessee built a new stadium and Houston moved to Tennessee , then Houston got their new stadium and an expansion team as a reulst of losing the Oilers. Even the Raiders got a stadium improvement when they re-relocated from LA back to Oakland. As a result of these moves every city which lost an NFL team in the 80's and 90's got not only a team , but also a new stadium (except LA--that is yet to come). As you can see leagues and owners do benefit from franchise relocation as they get new staduiums and arenas. Fans are the ones who have to ride the rollercoaster of emotions of losing and gaining their franchises.  As for Seattle Sonic fans , well they may one day soon be in a new arena rooting for their Seattle Grizzlies.