Report: Raiders to submit relocation papers for Vegas move

Sin City just took a major step in its quest to gain an NFL franchise.

The Oakland Raiders will file relocation papers with the NFL to move from Oakland to Las Vegas, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Oakland owner Mark Davis will need approval from at least 24 of the league's owners in a vote this spring.

The city of Oakland has failed to come up with viable stadium proposals and there's been no progress made in its attempts to retain the Raiders, adds Rapoport.

Davis has made it clear he sees his franchise's future in Vegas and pledged $500 million toward a $1.9-billion stadium project, which would also require $750 million from taxpayers.

While NFL owners approving a relocation to Vegas would have been unthinkable just a few short years ago - thanks to the league's strong stance against gambling - it's become a very realistic scenario in recent months.

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, one of the league's most well-respected voices, said recently he believes the NFL is on board with the Raiders' move.

If the relocation happens, Davis said the team would remain in Oakland for the next few seasons as they wait for the stadium to be built.