Carolina Panthers: Leaving Charlotte only a rumor, for now

The Carolina Panthers are for sale and a new owner could potentially move the team…

A shocking weekend for the Carolina Panthers began with an internal investigation launched into workplace misconduct by team owner Jerry Richardson. A little more than 24-hours later the NFL had taken over the case as Carolina prepared to host the Green Bay Packers.

Richardson was in attendance at the game in his usual suite overseeing the franchise. Carolina won, putting them in position to earn a playoff berth with another win this weekend.

Following the game news broke that Richardson had decided to sell his franchise, beginning a firestorm of rumors and speculation. Not only into the accusations which had surfaced via a Sports Illustrated report just prior to kickoff, but also about potential new owners and one factor in particular.

Will the Carolina Panthers move out of Charlotte?

According to The Charlotte Observer, moving the team is a possibility and could happen as early as the 2019 season. The city currently has a previously negotiated contract in place ensuring the Panthers remained for six year, but that expires in June 2019. At that point staying in Charlotte or the Carolinas even, is not required.

Coach Ron Rivera addressed the issue of moving during his first press conference following news of the impending sale.

"“I believe this organization has had a great impact on the Carolinas. It’s truly helped the growth of this city and this community. It’s been a source of pride and goodwill, and I’d like to see it continue. This is a great community with a really supportive fan base that has been here for us. I know they’ve been there for me most certainly and for this football team. I hope that somehow it would stay.”"

More recently, the team promoted Tina Becker to Chief Operating Officer for handling the day to day operations of the franchise. In a short question and answer posted on the official team website, she too did nothing to quell any rumors of a move.

"“But I know there are questions about the future, and all we can do is let that process play out. My hope that whoever buys the team will see that Charlotte is a fantastic community with a passionate fan base, and will keep the team here. But that is out of our hands at this point. We must control what we can and do our jobs to the best of our ability.”"

More from Cat Crave

Teams typically move when ticket sales are struggling or stadium issues arise. Bank of America Stadium has recently undergone major renovations and there is no lack of support for the team in its’ present state but neither of these prominent members inside the organization are doing anything to quell the rumors.

However, without knowledge of who the new owner will be, speculation that a move is even possible becomes bothersome. Without any contractual ties to the city and potentially no personal ones, the new owner is going to benefit from an outstanding piece of initial leverage.

Next: Potential New Franchise Owners

For now the focus remains on this season as perhaps the most important offseason in franchise history looms.

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