Let's dust off all that early offseason chatter about the San Francisco 49ers' practice facility being located too close to an electrical substation.
Because the Niners are reportedly bringing it up again on their own, albeit in a roundabout way.
After the conclusion of the 2025 season, several conspiracy theories surfaced about how the SAP Performance Facility outside Levi's Stadium was too close to an electrical substation, and the proximity was directly impacting San Francisco's overwhelming injury issues that've seemingly plagued the franchise on a year-to-year basis.
The 49ers apparently hired a third party to conduct an analysis, likely a pressured reaction to all the questions and concerns about what effects the substation could have on players during practices. General manager John Lynch said the party concluded it wasn't a concern, calling it a " big nothing burger," but that didn't entirely erase the conspiracy theories.
Neither will the Niners' possible exploration into a relocation for their practice facility.
49ers reportedly exploring moving their practice facility (conspiracy theorists will love this)
CEO Al Guido recently spoke with The Athletic's Vic Tafur, and one of the major takeaways from that conversation is the franchise is apparently looking into moving its practice facility away from Levi's Stadium's exterior and finding another spot.
Of course, it's important to point out how Guido didn't cite the substation being the primary cause behind a would-be move, rather it's a general lack of space that's constraining San Francisco's practice efforts.
"They just put a lot of money into the weight room and hydrotherapy, as well as the locker room and cafe," Tafur wrote. "Additionally, they are exploring a possible nearby relocation as they are running out of space at and next to Levi's Stadium."
Indeed, many other teams across the league have dynamic practice facilities that are often far removed from their home venue, yet the SAP Performance Facility is constricted by the stadium itself, nearby suburban sprawl and, of course, the substation to the south.
While Guido would never say such a thing, should the Niners ultimately move their practices, those who are convinced the substation is the root cause of San Francisco's injury woes will connect the invisible dots and conclude the move is proof the conspiracy is a true thing.
And if the injuries wane after a move, watch out.
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