Earlier this week, news broke regarding a possible move for the Buffalo Bills. Relocations are not new or unique in US Sports; the San Diego Chargers are now the LA Chargers. The Rams have played in St Louis and Los Angeles, and the nomadic Raiders are currently playing in Las Vegas. If the Buffalo Bills moved away from Western New York, it wouldn't be unprecedented, but it would shock and disappoint many fans and NFL pundits. There are many reasons why this story is out there. It is a shame; we should talk about the return of Star Lotuleilei, the development of youngsters Ed Oliver and Gregory Rousseau, and an MVP-level quarterback under center. However, the NFL is a ruthless business, sentiment seldom gets considered, and the suits are never afraid to stun people.

The Stadium Rush

The Raiders' gleaming Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada

The golden ticket for all NFL owners is a shiny new stadium worthy of holding Superbowls, NFL Drafts, and other prestigious events. Recently, we've seen the brilliant US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis host a Superbowl. The following year, Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz stadium welcomed the world the NFL's championship game. Owners of these teams desire an awe-inspiring stadium. There is a catch; most NFL owners don't wish to dig deep into their wealthy pockets to fund the development. Instead, these multi-millionaires and billionaires want the local councils to support it, and then they want to take the lion's share of the profits. The late Al Davis was the forefather of this bullish bargaining tactic as he tried to permanently take the Raiders away from the Oakland Coliseum. Therefore it's apropos that Raiders finally got their shiny new death star on Al Davis Way.

How Do The Buffalo Bills Fit Into the Equation?

This is the current home of the Buffalo Bills

In 2018, Kim Pegula announced a study of the Bills stadium to determine the feasibility of redeveloping the facility into a world-class location. That study seems to have finished as the early figures getting mooted are around $1.1 billion. That is an eye-watering price for the taxpayers to pay. The Bills stadium needs to get rebuilt if they wish to bring the high-ticket events to New York.

The Buffalo Bills have spent over 60 years in Buffalo Bills; they've built a loyal and ardent fanbase in one of the smaller NFL markets. It is evident that the Buffalo Bills ownership desire a jewel of a stadium. It won't come cheap, and they don't wish to foot the bill. Buffalo's lease from the council to use Highmark Stadium expires in 2023. The Bills will desire to find a resolution before the calendars turn, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's spokesman told The Buffalo News this; "Governor Cuomo is committed to the Bills staying in Buffalo, as demonstrated by the state's contribution to the recent $130 million investment in the current stadium."

It is now contingent on all the parties involved to find a workable solution. Superbowls and Drafts generate a lot of cash within the local economy; the financial people will weigh the pros and cons before it gets too late.

Why Austin Could Host The Buffalo Bills

The Austin, Texas skyline

In reality, the Buffalo Bills could move to any city in the world; such is the NFL's power. The global reach and visibility of the league are nearly unmatched. Only 32 towns get to have an NFL franchise; hundreds more would want one. It can put places on the map, engage existing residents and provide new income streams for the council. Austin is now a town that is ready to host world-class sporting events. The F1 race is one of the biggest events on the global calendar; Austin becomes a hive of activity during the race week. With no Baseball, Basketball, or Ice Hockey teams, an NFL franchise makes total sense for Austin. The Texan natives love their football, their relaxed tax rules and ideal weather make Austin a strong option, especially if they are happy to stump up the cash.

What About Bills Mafia?

Buffalo Bills fans are some of the most loyal supporters in the world

There is no fanbase in the NFL better than the Bills Mafia. In a small, often cold corner of New York, the Buffalo Bills fans pack into their stadium win or lose, sun, rain, or snow. It'd devastate fans around the world if the Buffalo Bills left Buffalo. The NFL thrives on variety. Football isn't exclusive to warm-weather cities in shiny stadiums. There is something old-school about playing in cold weather in front of a raucous fanbase that would follow their team until the end of time. There is only one team in New York, and they are the Buffalo Bills. Going to Buffalo is one of the most visceral experiences. There is nothing better when there's a cold chill in the air and the Buffalo Bills are playing elite football in December. To deny the Buffalo people of that would be an unforgivable crime.