The Austin Bills?
That may sound odd, but it could be a possibility. Citing an unnamed ownership source, Seth Wickersham of ESPN reported that Austin, Texas could be a potential city the Bills would consider moving to if they do not get a new stadium in New York. The Bills’ contract with their current home in Orchard Park, Highmark Stadium, runs out in 2023.
There are “other cities elsewhere that desire an NFL franchise and would pay handsomely for it,” Wickersham’s source reportedly said.
However, Austin City Council members have reportedly not been approached by the Bills organization at this point, according to American-Statesman reporter Ryan Autullo.
San Antonio was a potential destination for the Raiders a few years ago when they were planning a move, but the Cowboys and Texans were not happy with a third team coming to the area. The Raiders eventually relocated to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas after the franchise could not reach an agreement to remain in Oakland.
As the Bills’ organization, the state of New York and Erie County are in negotiations for a new facility, Pegula Sports and Entertainment made a $1.5 billion proposal for a new stadium and renovations to KeyBank Center – home of the Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Bandits (NLL). While the proposed facility would be a county-owned venue, Pegula is requesting the entire project to be paid for by taxpayer money.
Many Buffalo residents were angered by the request, according to the American-Statesman.
A spokesperson for Gov. Andrew Cuomo told the Buffalo News he is “committed to the Bills staying in Buffalo.”
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