LA Rams already playing strong defense against the Raiders, ahead of training camp

Southern California is densely populated. With urban centers like Los Angeles and San Diego, the area most often referred to as Southern California is home to more than 24 million people (as of 2016 estimates). It’s no wonder the area is so popular with NFL teams. More people means more fans in the stands and more merchandise sales.

But by 2024, the number of teams hoping to capture the loyalty of Southern California soccer fans may have crossed the line. While the area is home to the LA Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers, this summer’s area is home to the training camps of five NFL teamsThey are, in no particular order:

With five NFL teams combined, marketing agreements that provide for local television coverage and fan participation during the regular season are not appropriate for the situation.

As detailed by Paul Gutierrez, ESPN Staff Writer, NFL teams have exclusive marketing rights within a 75-mile radius in all directions. Since the Raiders have chosen to place their 2024 Summer Training Camp within that exclusive 75-mile marketing radius, they are prohibited from promoting the event.

Are the Rams and Chargers just being petty? Or were the Raiders a little reckless, rubbing their popularity in Southern California in the faces of both the Rams and Chargers, just to line their own pockets by luring NFL fans? While some opinions try to blame the Rams and Chargers, the truth is that the Raiders could have chosen to train anywhere.

They chose Southern California, and that makes them responsible for what comes next. And there are negative consequences. Here are the reasons cited by team owner Mark Davis:

“The best thing about not doing it in Vegas is the bond that’s created. When camp is here (in Henderson), the veterans, the ones who have homes here, go home and visit their families. When you’re at camp, you’re together. That kind of bond.

It was something that (HC) Antonio (Pierce) wanted to pursue.”

– Raiders owner Mark Davis

So in the Raiders’ minds, this austere training camp situation with no home life, fans or other promotional events is why they chose Southern California as a location. Coach Piece wants to isolate his players to ensure they are not distracted. The plan is for them to spend their time connecting with each other and staying focused on football.

Will it work? It’s worth a shot. But I have to agree with the LA Rams on this one. The Rams don’t have their training facilities in Fort Worth, TX, Baton Rouge, LA, or Reno, NV. So it’s perfectly acceptable for a team that’s still trying to build and maintain a fan base since returning to Los Angeles in 2016 to veto further market sharing.

Thank you for reading.