NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell hinted that the league will return to Las Vegas for a future draft.
Goodell said: “This decision reflects our foremost priority -- the health and safety of all fans and citizens. While this outcome is disappointing both to the NFL and to the Las Vegas community, we look forward to partnering with the Raiders the City of Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority for a future NFL Draft as well as evaluating opportunities for other major NFL events in Las Vegas in the future, including the Super Bowl.”
The NFL’s decision to move the draft out of Las Vegas, though expected, adds to a tumultuous period for Sin City.
The draft was expected to draw hundreds of thousands of people to America’s betting capital.
Last year’s event in Nashville brought in crowds of 600,000 people across three days.
Oakland Raiders owner Mark Davis said: “Although Las Vegas lost this chance to shine, there will be many more opportunities to show the world just what Las Vegas is made of. Whether it be the Draft, the Pro Bowl or the Super Bowl, the Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World is ready!”
