The ownership of the NFL’s Raiders team has been a source of much intrigue and speculation. With multiple owners and controversies surrounding their moves to different cities, it’s time to take a closer look. In this long-form article, we will cover everything from the team’s early days to its current ownership structure.

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Early Days of the Raiders

The Raiders were founded in 1960 by a group of businessmen from Oakland, California. The original ownership group consisted of Ed McGah, Robert Osborne, Wayne Valley, and Chet Soda. McGah, who was the nephew of the Oakland Tribune’s publisher, served as the managing general partner.

However, it was Al Davis who would eventually become the most influential figure in the early history of the Raiders. Davis was hired by McGah as head coach and general manager in 1963 and quickly made his mark on the team. He introduced a vertical passing attack and a physical, aggressive style of play that would come to define the Raiders’ identity.

Davis was eventually named commissioner of the AFL in 1966, but he returned to the Raiders as managing general partner in 1972. Under his ownership, the Raiders became one of the most successful and recognizable franchises in the NFL.

However, Davis was not without controversy. He was known for his abrasive personality and confrontational style, which led to numerous conflicts with other owners, players, and coaches. He also became embroiled in several lawsuits over the years, including a high-profile antitrust case against the NFL in the 1980s. Despite these controversies, Davis remained a beloved figure among Raiders fans until his death in 2011.

The Al Davis Era

Al Davis’s ownership of the Raiders spanned four decades and was marked by both success and controversy. Under his leadership, the Raiders won three Super Bowls (XI, XV, XVIII) and became known for their hard-nosed, physical style of play.

However, Davis was also known for his unconventional management style, which often clashed with league officials and other owners. He was a vocal proponent of the Raiders’ brand of football and was not afraid to challenge the status quo. He was also fiercely protective of his team’s image and reputation, which led to numerous legal battles with the league over the years.

Despite these controversies, Davis was widely respected as a football visionary and a trailblazer in the sport. He was one of the first owners to hire a Hispanic head coach (Tom Flores) and a female executive (Amy Trask), and he was instrumental in the development of the AFL-NFL merger in 1970. He was also a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the NFL, a legacy that continues to this day.

Post-Al Davis Ownership

Following Al Davis’s death in 2011, his son Mark Davis took over as managing general partner of the Raiders. Under Mark’s leadership, the team has faced a number of challenges and controversies.

One of the most notable controversies was the team’s move from Oakland to Las Vegas in 2020. The move was met with widespread criticism from Raiders fans and members of the Oakland community, who felt betrayed by the team’s decision to leave the city. The move was also costly, with estimates suggesting that it could cost up to $2 billion in total.

Despite these challenges, Mark Davis has remained committed to the Raiders and their future. He has worked closely with the city of Las Vegas to build a new state-of-the-art stadium for the team, and he has made significant investments in the team’s roster and coaching staff. His goal is to bring a Super Bowl championship to Las Vegas and establish the Raiders as one of the premier franchises in the NFL.

However, there are still questions about the ownership structure of the Raiders. While Mark Davis is the managing general partner, there are several minority owners who hold a significant stake in the team. These owners include billionaire Sheldon Adelson, who played a key role in the team’s move to Las Vegas, and the Davis family trust, which holds a 97% ownership stake in the team.

Despite the complicated ownership structure, the Raiders have remained one of the most popular and recognizable franchises in the NFL. They have a passionate fan base and a storied history that spans over six decades. And while controversies and challenges have marked their journey, the Raiders remain a symbol of resilience, determination, and commitment to excellence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ownership of the Raiders is a complex and multi-faceted issue that has been the subject of much debate and speculation. From the team’s early days to its current ownership structure, the Raiders have been marked by both success and controversy. Despite these challenges, however, the Raiders remain one of the most beloved and iconic franchises in the NFL, a testament to their enduring legacy and commitment to excellence.

FAQs

Who founded the Raiders?

The Raiders were founded in 1960 by a group of businessmen from Oakland, California, including Ed McGah, Robert Osborne, Wayne Valley, and Chet Soda.

Who was the most influential figure in the early history of the Raiders?

Al Davis, who served as head coach and general manager, became the most influential figure in the early history of the Raiders.

How many Super Bowls did the Raiders win under Al Davis’s ownership?

The Raiders won three Super Bowls (XI, XV, XVIII) under Al Davis’s ownership.

Who owns the Raiders?

Mark Davis is the managing general partner of the Raiders, but there are several minority owners who hold a significant stake in the team.

Why did the Raiders move from Oakland to Las Vegas?

The Raiders moved from Oakland to Las Vegas in 2020 due to a number of factors, including the construction of a new stadium and a desire to establish a presence in a rapidly growing market.