How the Oakland Raiders’ potential move to Las Vegas affects UNLV football

With the Oakland Raiders officially filing for relocation to Las Vegas, the city is that much closer to securing its second professional sports team, joining the Vegas Golden Knights who are the latest NHL franchise.

While Mark Davis’ intentions have been known for awhile, the relocation still must receive at least 24 of the 32 owners’ votes to become a reality. Until then, Vegas residents and Raiders fans will be sitting in the wings patiently waiting.

While the arrival of an NFL team is certainly exciting, it also brings about some changes. One of those having to do with the UNLV football team. When a potential move of the Raiders was first brought about, it was revealed that the UNLV Rebels could possibly be co-tenants in any future stadiums. As the talks increased, and things pointed upwards, it has been made clear that both teams would indeed coexist in any stadium that is built.

That can mean nothing but good news for the Rebels. Having just finished a season in which the team improved by two wins, UNLV’s arrow is projecting up behind the leadership of coach Tony Sanchez. With the construction of a new stadium, the Rebels would go from a holding capacity of 40,000 to 65,000. This, mixed with UNLV’s continued growth, could help the team attract bigger crowds and potentially even bigger opponents. And last, but certainly not least, could help with the teams’ bid to get into a power five conference down the road.

So as the city of Vegas prepares to welcome the Raiders to Sin City, it is UNLV who should be the happiest about what is to come, as they stand to be one of the bigger winners when everything is said and done.