Expansion or Relocation? Spurs AFL Questions

(photo credit: flickr.com)

It's the worst kept secret in the Arena Football League right now. The San Antonio Spurs are interested in getting involved in the AFL. They came very close to saving the San Antonio Talons following the 2014 season and have been in talks with the league to get their own team ever since. 

One question many have is whether the Spurs will be awarded an expansion team, like Ted Leonsis of the Washington Wizards was back in February, or if they will relocate a team to the Alamo city. 

An expansion franchise would give ownership a longer time to sell tickets, market, and hire staffs. It's also easier since the team will have a clean slate, new identity, and make it easier for the city to know there's a team. 

Then there's the possibility of the Spurs relocating a team. 

As of today, the Portland Steel are a league worst 1-10, and are averaging just 5,478 fans in three home games. There's a chance the Spurs could buy the Steel and move them to San Antonio, especially since Paul Allen has decided not to save them, at least according to the Portland Tribune. After all, every team the Spurs own outside of San Antonio FC has been relocated.

• San Antonio Rampage- relocated from Adirondack 

• San Antonio Stars- relocated from Salt Lake City 

• Austin Spurs- relocated from Columbus

However, relocating Portland may cause some of the passionate fans in the rose city to feel some dismay towards San Antonio as they would view San Antonio the same way that Milwaukee views Portland(the Mustangs were relocated to Portland following the 2013 season). 

Only time will tell if the Spurs decide to go after the Steel or settle for an expansion team.