History of Football in Los Angeles

When people think of Los Angeles, images of celebrities, gorgeous weather, sandy beaches, and Lakers basketball often come to mind. American football, however, might not be on the list. Now, you might be scratching your head and thinking, "Wait a minute! Doesn't Los Angeles have an NFL team?" Well, technically speaking, it does. The Los Angeles Rams, who moved back to the city in 2016, already made a Super Bowl appearance. And let's not forget the Chargers, who also relocated from San Diego. But the situation is more complex than it seems.

See, while the Rams and the Chargers are currently based in Los Angeles, both had deep-seated histories elsewhere: the Rams in St. Louis and the Chargers in San Diego. It’s almost as if Los Angeles has become a second home to the NFL's orphaned teams. That's why when people ask, "Why doesn't Los Angeles have an American football team?" they likely mean, "Why doesn't Los Angeles have a truly home-grown American football team?" So let's dig into the not-so-glamorous history of football in the City of Angels.

The Los Angeles Rams - A Nomadic Football Team

When discussing football in Los Angeles, it's impossible not to mention the Rams. Born in Cleveland in 1936, the team initially moved to Los Angeles in 1946, becoming the first NFL franchise on the West Coast. For nearly half a century, they remained a staple in the city's sports scene. Yet, despite numerous NFL championships and earning a loyal fan base, their tenure was far from serene.

You see, back in 1980, the team attempted to move to nearby Anaheim, causing instant tension with the city and fans. Over time, their popularity in Los Angeles withered, culminating in a move to St. Louis in 1994. While they found success in St. Louis — even winning a Super Bowl — their hearts yearned for L.A., and in 2016, they returned. So, while it's true the Rams are currently based in Los Angeles, they're more of a prodigal son than a native son.

San Diego Chargers – Los Angeles's Secondhand Football Team

Another team caught in the whirlwind of franchise relocation is the Chargers. Initially established as an AFL team in Los Angeles, they quickly relocated to San Diego after just one season where they remained for a whopping 56 seasons. During this time, the Chargers became synonymous with San Diego, earning beloved status among the locals.

However, despite their longevity in San Diego, they made an unexpected return to Los Angeles in 2017. Even so, many still argue that the Chargers' heart remains in San Diego. While technically a Los Angeles team, they carry the feelings and heritage of another city.

A City Without An NFL Team - The Abandonment Era

An interesting period in Los Angeles’s football history lies between 1995 and 2016, known as the "abandonment era." During these 21 years, Los Angeles, a city known for its immersion in sports culture, lacked any home representation in the NFL. It’s still something that baffles both longtime fans and recent converts.

This football drought can be attributed to both the Rams and Raiders relocating in 1994. Los Angeles seemed to be left in an NFL dust cloud. One common theory suggests that the city's immense array of entertainment options, in addition to the Lakers and Dodgers' popularity, kept fans' interest intact despite having no NFL team to call their own.

From Homelessness to a Multibillion Dollar Home – SoFi Stadium

As they say, every cloud has a silver lining. In Los Angeles' case, this lining came in the form of SoFi Stadium, home to both the Rams and the Chargers since 2020. This multi-billion-dollar behemoth is the most expensive sports stadium in the world and counts as attraction in its own right. London has the Buckingham Palace. Paris has the Eiffel Tower. L.A. has SoFi Stadium!

However, despite its grandiosity and luxury, one could argue that SoFi Stadium is another reason Los Angeles lacks a homegrown football team. It’s a shiny new home designed to lure existing teams rather than nurturing a new one from scratch. Today, it serves as the battleground for two adopted teams trying to win over a city's divided loyalty.

Why Does Los Angeles Appeal to NFL Teams?

NFL franchises are more than just football teams - they are businesses. And much like businesses, they aim to maximize profit. Los Angeles, as a market, brings to the table a significantly large population, high-profile corporate sponsorships, immense media coverage, and opportunities for merchandise sales.

Yet, the relationship between NFL teams and Los Angeles hasn't been a bed of roses. If anything, it's been more of a rocky rollercoaster dotted with successes and failures. Interestingly, while other sports enjoy local fervor, football has struggled to maintain a firm grip on L.A.’s interest. Perhaps, in the end, it is this ongoing struggle that makes this saga even more fascinating.

The Expansion Team - Could This Be a Solution?

How to solve the puzzle of giving Los Angeles a truly homegrown football team? Some say the answer lies in an expansion team. Unlike the Rams and Chargers, this team would be "born and bred" in Los Angeles, creating a genuine local connection. There’s no denying that this would quench the city's thirst for a truly local team while simultaneously adding another chapter to its convoluted football history.

However, the NFL has historically been cautious about expansion, primarily because of its potential to dilute the talent pool. Additionally, they also have to consider market saturation. With the Rams and Chargers already vying for attention, squeezing in another team might be challenging. It's a delicate balance that requires careful deliberation and, dare I say, courage.

Ultimate Thoughts – The L.A. Football Dilemma

Having a football team born and raised in Los Angeles would undoubtedly bring immense joy to fans. It would end decades of displacement and finally give them a team to genuinely call their own. But with the current landscape, that day might still be a while off. For now, Los Angeles remains a city of adopted teams, patiently waiting for an NFL offspring to call its own.

In all its intricacy and confusion, the saga of football in Los Angeles offers a glimpse into the world of professional sports that isn't often discussed: the business aspect. This tale serves as a reminder that while passion for the game runs strong, football - like most professional sports - is, in the end, a business, whether we like it or not.