There’s been a lot of talk about the [intlink id=”35″ type=”category”]Minnesota Vikings[/intlink] moving, specifically to Los Angeles, if the team doesn’t get a new stadium, but that is beginning to look more and more unlikely.
The deal the Vikings are trying to craft with the state for a new stadium in suburban Arden Hills is far from done, but it appears closer.
Owners Zygi and Mark Wilf have agreed to add an additional $30 million to the $407 million they already agreed to contribute to the stadium project. The money will be used to improve roads around the proposed site, which is a major sticking point with the bill currently in the legislature.
The state has agreed to contribute $300 million to the project and not a dollar more.
Perhaps more importantly, it’s becoming clear the NFL doesn’t want the Vikings to move. Sam Farmer, who covers the NFL for the Los Angeles Times, told me the Vikings are likely to get a deal done in Minnesota simply for that reason.
To support the point, the league committed to contribute an undisclosed sum to help build the Vikings’ stadium in May.
The NFL’s involvement and the Wilfs’ decision to cough up more dough makes it probable the Green Bay Packers will have their whipping boys in Minnesota for a long time to come.