Houston Tycoon Wants Franchise

Houston businessman Bob McNair isn't waiting for the NFL to find a home for the league's next expansion team. He's taking matters into his own hands.

McNair wrote to eight franchises he believes could possibly be up for sale to let their owners know he's interested in buying a team and moving it to Houston.

The letters were sent to Chicago, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, Arizona, Oakland, Minneapolis, Buffalo and New England, Houston television station KRIV reported.

McNair said those teams have older stadiums and may not have local support for new ones.

"Without a new stadium, they can't compete. So I think it might be compelling for some of those owners," he said.

McNair said his efforts to buy an existing franchise do not diminish his confidence that he can beat out two groups from Los Angeles that are competing for the expansion team.

NFL owners are expected to vote on adding a 32nd franchise when they meet in Phoenix on March 14-18.

Commissioner Paul Tagliabue has called it "a very close race" between L.A. and Houston, noting both markets have fan interest, large populations and television appeal.

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