NFL franchise Raiders are a step closer towards swapping Oakland for Las Vegas.
National Football League owners voted 31 to 1 in favour of allowing the franchise make the move to Nevada.
The Raiders are likely to remain in Oakland for the next two years before a new stadium is ready in Vegas in 2020.
In a statement, Raiders majority owner Mark Davis reacted to the vote.
"My father always said, ‘the greatness of the Raiders is in its future,’ and the opportunity to build a world-class stadium in the entertainment capital of the world is a significant step toward achieving that greatness. I would like to thank Commissioner Goodell, the National Football League and my 31 partners. I would also like to thank Governor Brian Sandoval and the Nevada Legislature for their commitment. Finally, I would like to thank Sheldon Adelson for his vision and leadership, without which this project never would have become a reality," said Davis.
"The Raiders were born in Oakland and Oakland will always be part of our DNA. We know that some fans will be disappointed and even angry, but we hope that they do not direct that frustration to the players, coaches and staff. We plan to play at the Coliseum in 2017 and 2018, and hope to stay there as the Oakland Raiders until the new stadium opens. We would love nothing more than to bring a championship back to the Bay Area."
The Raiders were originally established in Oakland in 1961, before a 12-year move to Los Angeles that ended in 1995.
The franchise have won three Super Bowls during the course of their history.
In January 1977, Oakland defeated Minnesota Vikings 32-14, before doing so again in January 1981 when they saw off Philadelphia Eagles 27-10.
Their most recent Super Bowl appearance came in January 1984, although on that occasion it was the Los Angeles based version of the Raiders that emerged victorious against Washington Redskins by a 38-9 scoreline.
Raiders were based in Los Angeles between 1992 and 1984 before returning to Oakland.
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