NFL team is on its way to L.A., panel predicts
A panel of experts looked at the question of whether an NFL team will once again play in Los Angeles. Moderated by KNBC's Conan Nolan (from the left), the panel included Troy Aikman, former Dallas Cowboy and UCLA quarterback; Los Angeles Times sports writer Sam Farmer; UCLA economist Lee Ohanian; and new Bruins head football coach Jim Mora.
The NFL will return to Los Angeles. This was the prediction of a panel of football notables, including Hall of Fame quarterback and UCLA alumnus Troy Aikman, at an event co-presented by UCLA at the Grand Avenue MOCA. The city will welcome back professional football — as long as the new team wins. As for who that team will be, where they will play, when the move will happen, how the stadium will be funded, or what can make them a financial success—well, that’s anyone’s guess.
Still, despite all the remaining loose ends, the panelists anticipated Los Angeles getting not just one but two teams. “Los Angeles is definitely big enough for two teams,” Aikman told the crowd. The decision makers in the league “very much envision there being two NFL teams” in the city.
And an NFL team or two won’t hurt college football in town. “This area can support a pro football team as well as UCLA and that other school,” added new UCLA football coach Jim Mora, joking about rival USC. “If you win, they will come. They will fill your stadium.”
