The St. Louis Rams’ departure in 2016 after 21 years marked a significant shift in the NFL landscape. But why did the Rams leave St. Louis for Los Angeles? The answer, while complex, boils down to one primary factor: money. This article delves into the financial motivations, stadium disputes, and legal battles that ultimately led to the Rams’ relocation.
The Rams’ History: A Timeline of Moves
To understand the Rams’ move, it’s helpful to look back at their franchise history:
- 1936: Founded as the Cleveland Rams in the American Football League.
- 1937: Joined the National Football League.
- 1945: Moved to Los Angeles, beginning a 48-year residency.
- 1995: Relocated to St. Louis.
- 2016: Returned to Los Angeles.
The Rams’ sole Super Bowl victory occurred during their time in St. Louis. So, what prompted their return to LA?
The Stadium Issue: A Broken Lease and Unmet Demands
The Rams’ desire for a state-of-the-art stadium played a crucial role in their relocation. The team’s lease agreement with St. Louis, signed in 1995, stipulated that the Edward Jones Dome be maintained among the top 25% of NFL stadiums by 2015. The Rams argued that the city failed to meet this obligation. This disagreement led to arbitration in 2013, with the arbitrators ruling in favor of the Rams. This victory allowed the team to break their lease, paving the way for a potential move.
Relocation Battle: A $550 Million Move and Competing Bids
In January 2016, the Rams, along with the Oakland Raiders and San Diego Chargers, formally filed for relocation. Each team cited stadium concerns and financial limitations in their current cities. After a vote by NFL owners, the Rams’ relocation to Los Angeles was approved by a 30-2 margin. Rams owner Stan Kroenke paid a $550 million relocation fee to the NFL. Missouri had proposed a new $1.1 billion open-air stadium, but the Rams’ decision remained unchanged. Kroenke cited the economic challenges in St. Louis as a contributing factor, although this claim was debated.
The Aftermath: Lawsuits and a $790 Million Settlement
The Rams’ relocation sparked outrage in St. Louis. In 2017, the city sued the NFL and all 32 teams, seeking damages and restitution for the Rams’ departure. The lawsuit highlighted the broken promises and financial losses incurred by the city. In 2021, the case concluded with a $790 million settlement paid by the NFL and Rams owner Stan Kroenke.
Conclusion: Money Talks in the NFL
While factors like stadium quality and fan attendance played a role, the core reason for the St. Louis Rams’ departure was financial gain. The move to Los Angeles offered a larger market, greater revenue potential, and the opportunity to build a new, state-of-the-art stadium, SoFi Stadium, generating significantly more revenue than possible in St. Louis. The Rams’ relocation exemplifies the business-driven nature of the NFL, where profitability often outweighs tradition and loyalty. The $790 million settlement, while substantial, paled in comparison to the financial windfall associated with the move to Los Angeles. In the end, the Rams’ decision was a business decision, driven by the pursuit of greater financial success.
