By Anish Nuni ’19, Staff Writer

On January 12, the NFL approved the St. Louis Rams’ plan to move to Los Angeles. For the 19^th time in NFL history, a team has ripped the hearts out of its fans, and left for a different city. The Rams originally played in Los Angeles until 1995, when they moved to St. Louis. The NFL did not capitalize on the second largest media market in America for 21 years, but the Rams are back.

In 1995, the Los Angeles Rams were struggling. They had a losing record for multiple years, and ticket sales were dwindling. They were playing in an old stadium, and needed an upgrade. Orange County California, where the old Rams’ stadium is located, was going through a depression, so the government could not subsidize the Rams’ new stadium. So finally, unable to reach a deal for the new stadium with the local government, the Rams left for St. Louis. Ironically, the Rams are returning to Los Angeles partially because the St. Louis government would not subsidize the Rams’ new stadium plans.

With the new plan, approved by the NFL, the Oakland Raiders do not have a chance to move to Los Angeles, but the San Diego Chargers still have the option. Within the next year, the Chargers can decide to move in with the Rams’ plan, and share the stadium and the cost. Some argue that if the Chargers do join the Rams in LA, two teams would be too much for LA. However, this simply is not the case. Los Angeles has a population of 3.8 million, and is the second largest media market in the U.S. If New York can support two profitable, decently successful teams, then so can Los Angeles.

Just imagine one day your home sports team decides to move. The team you grew up watching, the team you have so many fond memories with, decides to leave for another city. It’s a breakup you never saw coming. Sports teams can unite a community, but what if the thing that unites us suddenly disappears? “It would be horrible if the Giants moved,” offers Jordan Zucker ’16. “I could never root for the Jets!” he adds. According to the NFL ads, football is family, and sometimes, it really is. The Rams’ move to LA brings up the question: under what circumstances and when should NFL teams move?

The NFL is a business. NFL owners are in it not only to have a team, but also to make money. Fans understand this. Spencer Wang ‘19, an avid Giants fan and fantasy football player says, “If moving is more financially reasonable, then it is what they should do.” Spencer also mentioned he does feel badly for the former St. Louis Rams fans. Brady Schaeffer ‘17, another football fan agrees, saying, “The Rams deserve a market and fanbase like LA.” Most fans are okay with the fact that the Rams’ move is partially for the money. However, from the perspective of Rams fans, there is a certain amount of disloyalty in this move. Fans who fully and faithfully supported the Rams feel disrespected and cheated. It is tough for fans who are losing their home team, but it is a necessary part of the money-driven cycle of the NFL.