David J. Phillip/Associated Press

Updates from Wednesday, Aug. 13

Josh Baugh and Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News report the latest on the Spurs' potential opposition to the Raiders' possible move to San Antonio:

Meanwhile, a source with knowledge of Davis' meetings in San Antonio discounted comments made by Spurs shareholder Charlie Amato, who said the five-time NBA champion team harbors concerns about a Raiders relocation and suggested that the Spurs purchase the team. The source was not authorized to speak about the matter and asked to remain unnamed. The Express-News previously reported that Spurs owner Peter Holt had fruitful conversations with Davis when he was in San Antonio. The two met at Holt's home July 19. "Peter assured Mark that (the Spurs) would not be a roadblock to the Raiders relocating to San Antonio and would find ways to work with them," the source said.

Original Text

Amid rumors and speculation about the future of the Oakland Raiders, including those mentioning a possible move to San Antonio, the defending NBA champion San Antonio Spurs are reportedly prepared to defend their turf.

Tom Orsborn and Josh Baugh of the San Antonio Express-News report those close to Spurs Sports & Entertainment are watching the situation closely after Raiders owner Mark Davis visited the area. They would be against a direct move without their involvement:

In the wake of Oakland Raiders owner Mark Davis' whirlwind tour of San Antonio, sources with knowledge of the visit said Spurs Sports & Entertainment would be against the Raiders, as they are currently structured, relocating to South Texas. SS&E is the holding company headed by Peter Holt that owns the Spurs, the WNBA's Stars and the minor league hockey Rampage team. According to sources, it continues to studiously eye a venture into professional soccer.

The report states Davis did visit with Holt during his tour of the area, but it's unclear how much business was discussed during the meeting.

Those involved with the Spurs ownership group are worried about the impact on their fanbase should an NFL franchise enter the market. The organization doesn't currently have another professional franchise in one of the four major sports to contend with.

Team shareholder Charlie Amato spoke with the San Antonio Express-News about the potentially worrisome situation. He believes the only way such an arrangement would work is if the potential move included control for the Spurs.

"(The Spurs' control) would make it more affordable and more appealing to the San Antonio market," he said. "We are blessed with a great ownership group in which we park our egos at the door when we have our meetings, and Peter never abuses (us) by shoving things down our throats. I have been in other minority situations with other groups where it was a nightmare."

It's unknown whether the Davis family would be willing to cede at least partial control in order to secure a move to San Antonio or another city.

Peter Burns of ESPN notes Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones would also likely provide some resistance should the talks become more serious:

In the bigger picture, a major question mark is whether the Raiders are serious about potential relocation. As the report points out, they are currently in a top-five market. That suggests they may be using the idea of moving as leverage against Oakland in the quest for a new stadium.

If the Raiders do become serious about finding a new home, it sounds like some concessions will need to be made in order to make San Antonio a realistic possibility.