Florida Governor Ron DeSantis wasn’t shy about it on Wednesday when he spoke to the media. The state of Florida will welcome any sports team from any league that is unable to play in their home city or state.
“What I would tell commissioners of leagues is that if you have a team in an area where they won’t let them operate, we will find a place for you here in the state of Florida. We think it’s important and know that it can be done safely,” DeSantis said.
Governor Ron DeSantis is welcoming professional sports teams to Florida.
“What I would tell commissioners of leagues is, if you have a team in an area where they just won’t let them operate, we’ll find a place for you here in the state of Florida.” https://t.co/2wvjtE9FqH
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 13, 2020
Just one day earlier, Los Angeles (CA) County officials announced they will extend stay at home orders for the next three months.
Los Angeles is a large sports market that boasts two NFL teams, two NBA teams, two MLB teams, two MLS teams, and an NHL franchise.
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For those leagues to return to any semblance of a normal schedule, it’s likely teams in the Los Angeles area (among others) would need to find a new home.
In a Fox News interview on Thursday, Governor DeSantis went a step further and said he’s had talks with officials from the University of Florida about the prospect of having an NFL team play ‘home’ games in The Swamp.
NEW: An NFL team can use the University of Florida’s stadium this season, Gov. DeSantis says.
UF officials spoke with him on Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/nUPgUVMgAJ
— Andy Slater (@AndySlater) May 14, 2020
Obviously, this doesn’t mean that an NFL team will be playing in Gainesville this fall, but the possibility is out there on a public forum.
Which NFL team would you like to see play their home games at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium?
UPDATE (1:45 PM): Scott Stricklin has made the following statement on the subject:
Statement from Florida athletic director @ScottStricklin on his conversation with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis about the possibility of a displaced pro team playing at The Swamp or in some other UF facility. pic.twitter.com/GlVdJBlJIt
— Andy Staples (@Andy_Staples) May 14, 2020
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