Goodell hopeful for deal with Bills

JAMESTOWN, N.Y. (WIVB) - As Senator Charles Schumer turned up the pressure on the NFL on Wednesday, News 4 took our questions straight to the league's commissioner.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, a Jamestown native, was giving a speech in Chautauqua County at the Chautauqua Institution. Calling it a very high priority, Goodell said he wants to see the Buffalo Bills get a stadium deal done to ensure they stay in western New York.

"I know they're working hard on it, and hopefully they can get something done in the near future. Like anything though, things don't happen quite as fast as you all want. But I know the intent of the Bills is to get something done responsibly and I think they want to do that quickly," Goodell said.

The commissioner said he has been in contact with Senator Schumer about the Bills and the league's G-4 program, which the senator is pushing for. Goodell said based on the project's size, the policy would fit the Bills' needs.

"I spoke to the senator yesterday. As you know, he's one of the greatest supporters for keeping the Bills in western New York," Goodell said. "We always work closely together, we spoke briefly about some ideas that he had and I said that we'll continue to work with him, and see how they work."

The NFL has openly stated their desire for two football teams in Los Angeles, without adding more teams. The Bills have previously been mentioned as a moving candidate for the potential opening of an L.A. stadium in 2016. Goodell de-emphasized a move for the Bills.

"I don't think it was anything to do with Los Angeles as much as I think everybody wants the Bills to be here in western New York and Buffalo. They want to do it in a successful way and the lease is up, so it's important to get this done and to address the short-term lease with the stadium issues and the long-term stadium issues and make sure the team is successful here," Goodell said.

Also looming is the passing of Bills owner, Ralph Wilson. The commissioner again repeated what most Bills fans know: that the team will be sold when he passes.

But a long-term deal could ensure the team remains in western New York. Governor Andrew Cuomo's Office announced Wednesday that a nationally recognized sports expert with experience is stadium developments, will be advising the state on their efforts to to keep the Bills in Buffalo.

Irwin Raij, who has represented major sports clients including a professional sports league, professional sports teams, owners and acquirers of professional sports teams, will be advising the state as it progresses in lease negotiations with the Bills.