L.A. Benched / Week 16 : Hubbard Talks Up His Negotiations

R.D. Hubbard, Hollywood Park chairman, said this week he is closing in on a deal that will return the NFL to Los Angeles in time for the 1996 season. Hubbard said he spoke last week with four different team owners who wish to move here, and he said the NFL has already given its blessing in some cases.

“I really don’t think we’re fighting an uphill battle,” Hubbard said. “I really, purely believe that we’ve got the only alternative to bringing football back to L.A. We’re going to do it. We’re proceeding, we’re trying to work with the league. So far the league keeps telling us we’re right in the game plan. They even went so far as to tell an owner or so, if they can work out a deal with Hollywood Park, they can probably support it.”

Hubbard said he has not directed his focus at only one team. “My No. 1 choice wants to make the toughest deal,” he said. “There are advantages and disadvantages to every one of the teams we are talking with.”

Hubbard would not identify the teams he has been negotiating with, but it’s known Seattle, Arizona and Tampa Bay are interested in moving, with the Seahawks being the most likely candidate for Hollywood Park at this time. There is also talk around the league that Raider owner Al Davis has had talks again with Hollywood Park.

Hubbard said a deal could be made within days, and he said he expects the team that reaches an agreement with Hollywood Park will seek league approval at the NFL owners’ meetings in March.