af1 games on the NFL Network now official

[Fran]

The upstart AF1 has signed a television deal with the NFL Network, giving the nascent indoor football league an instant dose of credibility.

The deal is a one-year agreement, with another one-year option. Terms call for AF1 to sell the advertising inventory, with the indoor league and the NFL Network evenly splitting all revenue.

The NFL Network will provide the on-air talent. The league’s games will be aired live on Friday nights from 8 to 11 p.m. ET beginning April 2 through the league’s championship game in late August. The AF1 game on April 23 will be pre-empted by the network’s draft coverage.

Charles Coplin, vice president of programming for the NFL, said the deal made sense for the NFL Network, which has expanded beyond NFL programming by covering college football games.

“We embrace football at all levels,” Coplin said. “This spring schedule gives us a weekly live game featuring some players who may eventually play in the NFL.”

The NFL Network also was attracted by the AF1’s spring schedule, which comes at a relatively down time for the NFL, with no live games. “They are playing at a time where it made perfect sense for our schedule,” Coplin said.

The NFL Network has not made any decisions on the talent it will use or on any shoulder programming it may produce.

“Right now, the focus is just on the games,” Coplin said. “We’ll get back from South Florida and look at whether there’s anything to do around it.”

Coplin said the deal does not hint at a larger working relationship between the two football leagues.

“This is a programming deal between the NFL Network and [AF1] to cover their games,” he said. “The programming made sense to us. The economics made sense to us. It’s not indicative of a larger or broader relationship. This deal is very consistent with how we’ve programmed the network from the beginning.”

The deal is expected to be officially announced in mid-February. The 15-team league, which was created this year after the assets of the former AFL were sold out of bankruptcy, also is expected to be rebranded as the AFL before the start of the season.

AF1 Commissioner Jerry Kurz would not comment specifically on the television deal.

“We are pleased with where we are and we are about to announce a national game of the week arrangement,” Kurz said.

[NatePreds05]

Friday night broadcasts are perfect, no lame Sunday afternoon or Monday night games. I am also excited about the rebranding of AF1 as AFL. It's about time.

[Caballo Diablo]

I disagree, in my opinion rebranding themselves as the AFL helps them to instantly lose credibility. It's meaningless to ticket sales among avid fans of the sport. For the most part they know what's gone on over the past few years and would still watch no matter what they call the league.

The casual fans that they need to attract desperately will say Huh! Isn't that the league of overspending and created with smoke and mirrors? Didn't they skip a year before going bankrupt and screwing their creditors? Now they've dropped to a lower level and are still trying to sell us same old BS?

The casual fan doesn't know they're two different entities. Why would a company want to take the name of a failed plan and business and promote them as the same? I hope the casual fans don't just shrug them off and go to the movies instead. And is Friday good for the casual fans? It would seem you could catch their attention better by not broadcasting during the night they usually go out and aren't watching tv?

[NatePreds05]

I disagree, in my opinion rebranding themselves as the AFL helps them to instantly lose credibility. It's meaningless to ticket sales among avid fans of the sport. For the most part they know what's gone on over the past few years and would still watch no matter what they call the league.

The casual fans that they need to attract desperately will say Huh! Isn't that the league of overspending and created with smoke and mirrors? Didn't they skip a year before going bankrupt and screwing their creditors? Now they've dropped to a lower level and are still trying to sell us same old BS?

The casual fan doesn't know they're two different entities. Why would a company want to take the name of a failed plan and business and promote them as the same? I hope the casual fans don't just shrug them off and go to the movies instead. And is Friday good for the casual fans? It would seem you could catch their attention better by not broadcasting during the night they usually go out and aren't watching tv?

Hockey and Basketball seem to have no problems with Friday night games. And speaking from experience game atmosphere of Sunday day games and Monday night games was horrible compared to Friday nights. TV viewers will see arenas that are packed and loud.

The casual fan doesn't even know about the league going bankrupt and creditor problems. Plus the AFL is the league (and has a much better logo and branding IMO) with over 20 years of history. You don't throw that away.

[daytonadan]

Ah Cabby, it's fun to watch you sometimes.

AF1 just blew every else's doors off.

This isn't Comcast Channel 666 or some obscure syndication package, it's the frakkin' NFL Network. No one may be watching outside of the 15 markets, but that's a lot of street cred.

[indoor fan]

I disagree, in my opinion rebranding themselves as the AFL helps them to instantly lose credibility. It's meaningless to ticket sales among avid fans of the sport. For the most part they know what's gone on over the past few years and would still watch no matter what they call the league.

The casual fans that they need to attract desperately will say Huh! Isn't that the league of overspending and created with smoke and mirrors? Didn't they skip a year before going bankrupt and screwing their creditors? Now they've dropped to a lower level and are still trying to sell us same old BS?

The casual fan doesn't know they're two different entities. Why would a company want to take the name of a failed plan and business and promote them as the same? I hope the casual fans don't just shrug them off and go to the movies instead. And is Friday good for the casual fans? It would seem you could catch their attention better by not broadcasting during the night they usually go out and aren't watching tv?

Of course a negative comment from Caballo (this is a defeat for him, cRUSHer and Raidermac)

This is huge. This had to have been in the works for a while. Thus the Friday night schedules. The NFLN is the fast growing network in the nation. This is bigger than the UFL and Versus.

The casual football fans will be happy just to watch some football in the Spring. Go AF1.

[Caballo Diablo]

Of course a negative comment from Caballo (this is a defeat for him, cRUSHer and Raidermac)
Wrong again.

Why are concerns a negative? Why is it if people don't agree everything is pefect, they're negative and haters? You need to look outside the box of a homer as a business manager. We've seen promises thrown out with smoke and mirrors don't work. I know many Arena Fans taking a wait and see attitude, that doesn't mean they don't like the sport or wish it ill.

I hope it works out well, any 50 yard leagues perceived failure hurts the entire sport.

This is huge. This had to have been in the works for a while. Thus the Friday night schedules. The NFLN is the fast growing network in the nation. This is bigger than the UFL and Versus.
Maybe, maybe not. Many thought the NBC deal would break the sport out of their niche, both times. ESPN is larger and has more overall sports cred than the NFLN, and that failed.

I want as many games as possible on TV, the question is will it change the pespective of the masses? NFLN isn't carried in many markets, I know lots of NFL fans that have no use for the network. It's not about what the avid fans think, we can't fill the seats. Is it really that hard to be bigger than the UFL & Versus?




The casual football fans will be happy just to watch some football in the Spring. Go AF1.
Then how come thay weren't interested in a better quality league of the real AFL?

[peculiarmetal]

This will appear completely transparent to the casual fan. They'll say, "Cool, the AFL is back." And that'll be the extent of the analysis. This is a GREAT thing for the indoor game...period. I don't understand this naysaying and mean spirited competition. I hope all these leagues can thrive and continue to provide us with a great sport. I wish the IFL, the SIFL, and whatever alphabet league out there the best.

I'm pulling for the AFL because that's who has teams in the cities I care about. That's all. I'm from Lousiana and live in Dallas. So, I'll be going to a couple of Battlewings games in Shreveport and a few Vigilantes games in Dallas. Doesn't mean I have to HATE the IFL because of it. Jesus.

[peculiarmetal]

I will agree Caballo that this NFL TV deal guarantees success. To believe so would be foolish. However, what would be the impact of NO tv deal?

[Caballo Diablo]

AF1 just blew every else's doors off.
In who's mind? The avid fan will want to see as many games as possible and will watch no matter what you name the league. You need good ratings on a large network to draw advertisers. Being as the NFLN is new and has very little real time content it's a good move. Trying to attract NFL fans is a good thing. But you have to take into account it's been tried before without success.

Sorry to be pessimistic but NBC and ESPN couldn't give cred to the sport besides for the already exisitng fans and there's not enough of them.


This isn't Comcast Channel 666 or some obscure syndication package, it's the frakkin' NFL Network. No one may be watching outside of the 15 markets, but that's a lot of street cred. If no one will be watching outside of the 15 markets wouldn't a local broadcast available to more of the market be better? The local broadcast seemed to do well in the past while the national deals with NBC and ESPN failed.

There are many markets very few receive the NFLN. I don't get it or versus and have no desire to pay more to have them added. Avid fans will find ways to watch games, we can see them for free on Nifty. Some whine about the poor quality of the internet streaming of games, sure they'll love to watch a real broadcast, but will enough watch to attract sponsors?

How come people in the sport can't look at reality and quetion how to improve instead of thinking a TV deal is an automatic ticket to success? It's a good start but there's not enough homers to pay the bills.

[Caballo Diablo]

i don't understand this naysaying and mean spirited competition. I hope all these leagues can thrive and continue to provide us with a great sport. I wish the ifl, the sifl, and whatever alphabet league out there the best.

I'm pulling for the afl because that's who has teams in the cities i care about. That's all. I'm from lousiana and live in dallas. So, i'll be going to a couple of battlewings games in shreveport and a few vigilantes games in dallas. Doesn't mean i have to hate the ifl because of it. Jesus.
....+1....

[indoor fan]

WOW! AF1 announces a major TV deal with NFL Network and Caballo talks about it like its a negative thing.

Are you serious?

[Caballo Diablo]

WOW! AF1 announces a major TV deal with NFL Network and Caballo talks about it like its a negative thing.

Are you serious?
WOW! indoor fan has a comprehension problem.

Do you ever comment on what's being discussed or come out of your homer box?

Were you excited when they announced the NBC deal (both times)?

Me too.

Were you excited when they announced the ESPN deal?

Me too.

Did you think ESPN being a stockholder in the league meant they actually cared about the sport and would promote it?

Me too.

Do you wear special glasses that black out things I type like say.......
It's a great thing, or I wish them success.

Do you ever have any views besides what you've read in a presser? Do you believe there's two sides to every story or only yours? Do you believe this guarantees longterm success and great ratings? Is there a sliver of possibility a local broadcast could have better ratings or reach more locals in the markets the games are played? Is this a guarantee the NFL fans will automatically except the sport as real? Will the masses automaticall flood to the arenas and cancel everything else on Friday nights to watch a niche sport on TV? Maybe you're denying many fans/customers don't get the NFLN? Are you saying it's untrue a large percentage of TV viewers, even sports fans don't get the NFLN?

You remind me of the puppy getting slapped all the time. You would think he would learn some prudence, instead of getting all goofy and overjoyed when the door opens. But noooooo, you see something you want so badly and run face first blindly into the perception things will be different this time.

The TV deal is GREAT! but it's only one step and guarnntees nothing. Should they stop looking into local deals? Should they be convinced this is the final piece to garuntee mass appeal and longterm success?

How come you can never discuss the topic, all you've ever got is a smack and negative comment yourself. There's a whole lot more involved than it's a great or crappy deal. Expand your mind.

[indoor fan]

NBC, ESPN, NFL Network.....


What channel has the IFL been on?

[Caballo Diablo]

NBC, ESPN, NFL Network.....


What channel has the IFL been on?
Typical homer response, changes the subject when he's wrong.

Were we talking about the IFL, SIFL, maybe the AIFA?

Let me know when you want to discuss the topic, it's concerns and are willing to attempt to answer some of the questions. Have you ever bought a house or car? It's pretty neat, but you still ask questions. You can't just believe everything the salesman tells you.

I thought we were supposed to learn from history and use it to improve. Are you one of those activist trying to rewrite history to read like Aesops Fables.

Didn't I ask you questions about the NBC and ESPN deals? How'd all that work out? You're right, this is the greatest thing since sliced bread. It's never been attempted before and has no possibility of being anything less than perfect.

I apologize for disturbing your perception of reality.

[Caballo Diablo]

What channel has the IFL been on?
Why do you feel I'm an ArenaBall hater and IFL apologist? How come you always want to make it as simple as one league vs another?

The AFL and af2 have combined for over 30 years of existence. How may times has either league been 100% profitable and returned dividends to every single franchise in the league? The IFL has done it in every year of their existence. Boy, that would sound greater if you weren't aware they've only played one year - lol

You would think with all that Tv money that ArenaBall would, oops, almost forgot they had to actually pay the networks to show the games.

Do you recall me speaking out against the IFL and Tommy B over the SF and Corpus rulings? Preeths and I had a lengthy discussion. Do you recall me speaking out against the SIFL being owned by a team owner and the PR tactics of Dan with regards to Lexi? How conviently you forget the big picture.

I love the 50 yard sport and support all leagues that play it no matter the style or rules used. But you already knew that since I've told you many times. I refuse to be a homer and support all of their decisions as perfect like you do.

[NatePreds05]

In who's mind? The avid fan will want to see as many games as possible and will watch no matter what you name the league. You need good ratings on a large network to draw advertisers. Being as the NFLN is new and has very little real time content it's a good move. Trying to attract NFL fans is a good thing. But you have to take into account it's been tried before without success.

Sorry to be pessimistic but NBC and ESPN couldn't give cred to the sport besides for the already exisitng fans and there's not enough of them.
If no one will be watching outside of the 15 markets wouldn't a local broadcast available to more of the market be better? The local broadcast seemed to do well in the past while the national deals with NBC and ESPN failed.

There are many markets very few receive the NFLN. I don't get it or versus and have no desire to pay more to have them added. Avid fans will find ways to watch games, we can see them for free on Nifty. Some whine about the poor quality of the internet streaming of games, sure they'll love to watch a real broadcast, but will enough watch to attract sponsors?

How come people in the sport can't look at reality and quetion how to improve instead of thinking a TV deal is an automatic ticket to success? It's a good start but there's not enough homers to pay the bills.

The difference between this TV deal and past ones is that NFLN and AF1 will split revenue from broadcasts and AF1 will sell the advertising spots. AF1 is not paying NFLN so this TV deal actually makes money and sense.

[TALONS100]

Come on CD wouldnt be happy if the AF1 singed a deal with NBC, CBS, ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and the NFLN to cover every single game, he would find some way to complain.....

[indoor fan]

Come on CD wouldnt be happy if the AF1 singed a deal with NBC, CBS, ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and the NFLN to cover every single game, he would find some way to complain.....

Amen brother.

This is Caballos worst nightmare come true. He is actually trying to make a national TV deal seem like a bad idea. AF1 shares revenue with NFLN. No way AF1 loses anything. They just provide the product (game). I guess the NFLN could have approached the IFL about the same deal, but Aaron Garcia is not playing in that league.

Looks like I'll be watching or recording the AF1 game on Friday April 2nd. Maybe I'll invite Caballo, cRUSHer and raidermac over to watch the game. Couple of beers, burgers and the AF1 Game of the week on NFLN. It does'nt get any better than that.

[Caballo Diablo]

The difference between this TV deal and past ones is that NFLN and AF1 will split revenue from broadcasts and AF1 will sell the advertising spots. AF1 is not paying NFLN so this TV deal actually makes money and sense.

That's what I'm talking about, thanks for joining the discussion.

Yes, the league will have responsibilities for advertising sales and they'll split the revenue. We'll have to wait and see how profitable it is once the costs are covered. It definitely seems to be better in that regard. But you must admit the NFLN has less viewers than either NBC or ESPN.

Like I've said, it's a great start and if they or the individual teams could work out a local deal all the better.

[Caballo Diablo]

Come on CD wouldnt be happy if the AF1 singed a deal with NBC, CBS, ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and the NFLN to cover every single game, he would find some way to complain.....
Come on LT, have you been out in the garages area breathing in too much exhaust?

If they came up with that deal I'd drive you to the mountain top to scream the news.

[Caballo Diablo]

This is Caballos worst nightmare come true. These are the types of statements that lead people to think you've lost your mind. We're talking entertainment here. If every league had every game broadcast or if every league went belly up it wouldn't affect my dreams or the important things in life.




He is actually trying to make a national TV deal seem like a bad idea.
I'll give you the benefit of doubt and let you catagotize this statement. Is it a lie, poor comprehension, or you just like to twist it?

I never said it was a bad deal, I've stated it's great. Sorry I just don't foolishly believe there's no concerns or room for discussion.


AF1 shares revenue with NFLN. No way AF1 loses anything.
I hope you're right, but I have heard that line before.


They just provide the product (game). I guess the NFLN could have approached the IFL about the same deal, but Aaron Garcia is not playing in that league. are trying to tell us there would be no TV deal witout Aaron? That's perposterous. personally I don't care if any of the leagues are on TV or not. The computer is fine with me. I've given up on the dream of the sport becoming mainstream, while I do admit years ago I thought it possible. I've accepted my niche and plan on enjoying the heck out of it for as long as possible.


Looks like I'll be watching or recording the AF1 game on Friday April 2nd.
Not me, my Friday nights are already spoken for and it doesn't include football. Plus I don't have the NFLN and don't plan on signing up for it.


Maybe I'll invite Caballo, cRUSHer and raidermac over to watch the game. Couple of beers, burgers and the AF1 Game of the week on NFLN. It does'nt get any better than that.
I think it would be great to sit down and watch some games with you, and beer & Burgers are a must. I'll bet we'd get along much better in person.

What's the travel distance from Austin to your place?

[TALONS100]

Come on LT, have you been out in the garages area breathing in too much exhaust?

If they came up with that deal I'd drive you to the mountain top to scream the news.

LOL you would complain about the drive being too far....HAHAHA

[Caballo Diablo]

LOL you would complain about the drive being too far....HAHAHA
No way, I'd even come to OK and pick you up.

You'll have the magic cooler won't ya?

[newiflfan]

But you must admit the NFLN has less viewers than either NBC or ESPN.


Maybe not NBC. :D :infun:

I'll be interested in seeing if this TV deal might draw some interest from some of the former AFL franchises who are currently inactive.

[Micro67]

I'm glad there is a T.V. package and hopefully we'll get some quality production values, but the NFL is a mixed bag at best. It does mean that eventually some games will make it onto the internet (www.tenyardtorrents.com) so I'll get a few games, but it also means another league is desparate to be bought out by the competition - so to speak.

I wish there was someone out there at least thumbing their nose at the NFL. I think the word for what we have now is an 'oligopoly'. The NFL is the only real competitor and they control competition with support for leagues like the UFL and proposed leagues like the AAFL and UGFL.

Where is Vince McMahon when you need him or the USFL (sans Donny 'the Traitor' Trump).

I live overseas and won't be able to attend a live game until the 2011 season, but I've been to probably 30 or 40 Arena League games since seeing the St. Louis Stampede. I never saw an AF2 game but I've been to many indoor football games.

The nets do make a difference and the fan experience at arena league games was better. In the beginning they understood that the arena league fan wanted a reasonably priced game with lots of entertainment and a legitimate sporting event - even if it wasn't nfl calibre talent.

When I watched AFL games on T.V. they didn't do a great job. Micheal 'I'm High Right Now' Irvin was just aweful.

[indoor fan]

I could see Kurt Warner or Danny White calling the games. Both have an AFL and NFL connection.

[Big Easy]

A NFLN deal and a name change to AFL is much better than no deal and AF1.

The die hards will know the details...but we all know there aren't enough die hards. They have to appeal to the casual fan...and walking away from an established brand name that people know would be foolish.

The casual fan will remember the name "Arena Football". It's a name that has 20+ years of history. It's a "brand". Actually...to take it a step farther...in the casual fan's mind...all football that is indoors is "Arena" ball. We know the difference, but thats how the casual fan that knows the term "Arena Football" sees it. It's kind of like "Lite" beer. "Lite" is a brand made by Miller but the way it was developed and marketed, for a very long time, it's name defined the category as well. Arena Football is the "catch all" brand and category for the non die hards.

[peculiarmetal]

I agree, Big Easy.Recognized brand, better logo...need to keep it. Hey, and maybe our beloved Voo Doo will return . . . though I'm admittedly not holding my breath. lol. But, can someone point out WHERE it says it will be the AFL again? I've tried to locate that article and don't see it.

[Caballo Diablo]

can someone point out WHERE it says it will be the AFL again? I've tried to locate that article and don't see it.
Go back to the first post of this thread and look near the bottom of the article.



The deal is expected to be officially announced in mid-February. The 15-team league, which was created this year after the assets of the former AFL were sold out of bankruptcy, also is expected to be rebranded as the AFL before the start of the season.

[peculiarmetal]

Ooops...lol. Thanks. Eyes must be failing me.

[jcompton]

(various speculation about a lack of obvious sponsors)


I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm certainly looking forward to seeing two Aaron's ads every break once again, just like the old NBC days...