The Chargers aren't moving to Los Angeles.
At least, not yet.
San Diego owner Dean Spanos released a statement on Friday afternoon, letting Chargers fans know the team will be staying put for at least the 2016 season:
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Dear Chargers Fans,
Today I decided our team will stay in San Diego for the 2016 season and I hope for the long term in a new stadium.
I have met with Mayor Faulconer and Supervisor Roberts and I look forward to working closely with them and the business community to resolve our stadium dilemma. We have an option and an agreement with the Los Angeles Rams to go to Inglewood in the next year, but my focus is on San Diego.
This has been our home for 55 years, and I want to keep the team here and provide the world-class stadium experience you deserve.
NFL
Everyone on both sides of the table in San Diego must now determine the best next steps and how to deploy the additional resources provided by the NFL.
I am committed to looking at this with a fresh perspective and new sense of possibility.
With deep appreciation for your years of support,
Dean A. Spanos
Chairman
The Chargers have until Jan. 15, 2017 to exercise their option to move to Los Angeles with the Rams.
The Raiders have an option to join the Inglewood project if the Chargers choose to stay in San Diego beyond the 2016 season.
As CSNCalifornia.com's Scott Bair reported on Thursday, the Raiders have started discussing a short-term lease to play the 2016 campaign in Oakland at O.co Coliseum.
The Raiders have played the last two seasons on one-year lease extensions at O.co Coliseum.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released a statement regarding the Chargers' decision:
We are very supportive of the decision by Dean Spanos to continue his efforts in San Diego and work with local leaders to develop a permanent stadium solution. NFL ownership has committed $300 million to assist in the cost of building a new stadium in San Diego. I have pledged the league's full support in helping Dean to fulfill his goal.
More to come...