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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Nashville Signs Oilers Contract

From Wire Reports

Nashville has long sought a major pro sports franchise, and on Thursday it landed the Houston Oilers.

In the latest NFL craze of franchise free agency, Nashville signed a deal that could make the Music City home to the Oilers by 1998. The team would likely play the next two seasons in Memphis.

Nashville, spurned by the NHL champion New Jersey Devils, would become the fourth city added to the NFL roster this year and the second in 11 days, following the Cleveland Browns’ intended move to Baltimore.

Nashville officials signed a 50-page document that lays out the $292 million deal that could have the Oilers playing in Tennessee by next fall. The city is required to help find an interim stadium if the Oilers buy out the two years remaining on their Astrodome lease.

“As a lame-duck team, I would hope we could work something out,” Oilers owner Bud Adams said at a signing ceremony Thursday.

Hurdles remain, however, including the approval of the NFL. Commissioner Paul Tagliabue owes the league a report after he reviews the Oilers’ move and Nashville’s bid.

Nashville mayor Phil Bredesen seeks league approval at the owners’ March 15 meeting.