The National Football League (NFL) departed Los Angeles primarily due to a combination of a divided fan base and the significant damage caused by the 1994 Northridge earthquake. Both the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Raiders relocated from the Los Angeles area before the 1995 season.
Key Factors Leading to the NFL's Departure
The specific reasons for the NFL's absence from Los Angeles for over two decades can be attributed to several critical factors impacting its two resident teams at the time:
- Split Fan Base: Los Angeles, a sprawling metropolis, housed two NFL teams simultaneously for a period: the Rams and the Raiders. This situation led to a fragmented fan base, making it challenging for either team to cultivate a singularly passionate and unified following. The competition for local support and revenue streams ultimately diluted the financial viability and community engagement for both franchises.
- 1994 Northridge Earthquake Damage: A major turning point was the devastating Northridge earthquake in January 1994. The seismic event caused significant damage across the region, including to essential infrastructure and, implicitly, to stadium facilities or the economic environment necessary for sports teams. This natural disaster added another layer of complexity and financial burden, contributing to the teams' decisions to seek new homes.
Departure Timeline and Team Movements:
While the Los Angeles Rams had previously moved to suburban Anaheim, California, in 1980, the Oakland Raiders made a notable move to the Los Angeles Coliseum in 1982, becoming the Los Angeles Raiders. However, the confluence of the aforementioned issues — the divided fan interest and the earthquake's impact — ultimately prompted both the Rams and the Raiders to leave the Los Angeles market before the 1995 NFL season, marking a significant period without an NFL presence in the city.
| Team | Initial Los Angeles Stint (or Area) | Final Departure from LA Area | Reason for Departure (from LA Area) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Rams | Los Angeles (later Anaheim) | Before 1995 season | Split fan base, 1994 Northridge earthquake damage |
| Los Angeles Raiders | Los Angeles (Coliseum) | Before 1995 season | Split fan base, 1994 Northridge earthquake damage |
