Dome operator: Rams must play in St. Louis, not London

ST. LOUIS -- The NFL announced Wednesday that the Rams will play a home game in London next season and the operator of the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis responded almost immediately by saying the team's lease agreement prohibits it.

The Rams would play a not-yet-decided NFC East team Oct. 23 at Twickenham Stadium as part of three games in London detailed by the NFL.

In a statement, the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission said it has had no formal discussions with the team about their 2016 plans. The Rams have until Jan. 28 to inform the CVC if they intend to play the 2016 season at the dome, but if they do "the terms of the lease remain in effect and provides that all Rams NFL home games (other than preseason) will be played at the facilities."

A CVC spokesman declined to speculate about what steps the organization might take to keep the team from playing in London. A message seeking comment from the Rams wasn't immediately returned.

There is uncertainty whether the Rams will even belong to St. Louis by then. Owners of the Rams, San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders are all exploring moves to Los Angeles, perhaps as early as next season. Rams owner Stan Kroenke is part of a group planning a new stadium in suburban Los Angeles.