Expansion

[MarshalsFAN80]

Should the NIFL even be considering expansion next season after the disaster that this season has been?

What would be wrong with just retaining all of the teams that were able to survive this season and NOT allowing for ANYMORE expansion...other than those already announced?

Solidify the STATE OF THE LEAGUE and then look to expand. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

[RageFan1]

Well if there was no expansion, there would be no Rapid city, or Katy, etc. those teams are in the playoffs.

[PIONEERSFAN101]

And if there was no expansion next season, the NIFL would be playing with about 8 teams :)

[Jamie]

If there were no expansion, there would be no expansion fees to keep the NIFL front office running...

[preeths]

Without expansion, you'd be looking at a 14-team league at best next year, spread out nearly from coast to coast. The travel costs would be too burdensome for some teams to even think about playing again. In reality, having 14 teams return next year looks doubtful. They'll almost have to expand in order to entice some of the current teams to stay. The question is, does that mean we'll see more Palm Beaches, Twin Cities and Big Skys, with no hope of completing the season? What is the solution for the NIFL?

[MarshalsFAN80]

If there were no expansion, there would be no expansion fees to keep the NIFL front office running...

WHAT OFFICE?????????

;)

[xd40shooter]

They should focus on strengthening the weaker teams. Put some pressure on owners to actually run their business like it's a business. A lot of teams have little to no publicity what-so-ever. Continuing to cycle teams in and out only weakens the league as a whole. It's better to have some teams that can't win a game than to continuely change the teams. The NIFL needs stability.

[preeths]

Granted, but how do you go about achieving that stability? Some of the teams don't advertise or promote themselves because they can't afford to. They can't afford the ads and/or the people to devise and carry out the promotions. You can put all the pressure you want on them, and that won't produce the cash they need.

[xd40shooter]

well they could start by not allowing any more expansions unless the prospective owner can show that they can handle the financial responsibility of it all. The publicity, the equipment, the travel, hosting games. I'm not sure what kind of contracts they're under, but it should require certain things from them. Maybe they should have to put down for lack of a better term, a security deposit substanstial enough that they fear losing it. I'm not saying they shouldn't allow more expansions, but make sure they're solid investments. Rather than just looking for that money and not caring if the team folds.

[fwp]

The league needs a change in leadership, first off.

I had heard that many times the Executive Committee and the voting teams made a decision but that it wasn't followed.

Perhaps, if every voice was heard, the way it's supposed to happen, and rules were followed we wouldn't have seen the mess that we saw this last season. At the very least I truly believe that there would've been a lot fewer and less severe messes.

Expansion isn't bad, if it's done correctly. It seemed like many teams were talked into starting a year before they were ready.

[tony-o]

Without expansion, you'd be looking at a 14-team league at best next year, spread out nearly from coast to coast. The travel costs would be too burdensome for some teams to even think about playing again. In reality, having 14 teams return next year looks doubtful. They'll almost have to expand in order to entice some of the current teams to stay. The question is, does that mean we'll see more Palm Beaches, Twin Cities and Big Skys, with no hope of completing the season? What is the solution for the NIFL?
Do what the ABA does: expand by 50 teams for the next season and hope that at least ten of them are successful.

[MarshalsFAN80]

Do what the ABA does: expand by 50 teams for the next season and hope that at least ten of them are successful.


I didn't even see the CINCINNATI team in the ABA ever play a home game...I was trying to find tickets the night of their first home game....but THERE NEVER WAS:( at least the NIFL teams get ONE GAME IN HEHE

I wish that I could get enough fans who actually had the ambition and the drive to put a team out there that is strickly for the fans. At times I believe that I live in a dream world. I can wish can't I :-D

I think that with the right MINDSET any team can function properly in the NIFL or any league. They just have to be in close proximity of a couple of teams in the league.

I'm very interested to see what the PIFL has in store for us next season. Some day, I will be able to make that dream come true and with the right group of people...I will be able to run my own team.

[GoAces]

I have a dream that the next person who meets CS in person should kick her in the nuts as hard as they can. I shouldn't be so bitter though because of her non background check policy we scored a team!!! So yeah, I was wondering if anyone knew what an NIFL championship ring looks like? Plastic? sterling silver? Stolen from another league?

[tony-o]

I have a dream that the next person who meets CS in person should kick her in the nuts as hard as they can.
Um...what?

I'm very interested to see what the PIFL has in store for us next season. Some day, I will be able to make that dream come true and with the right group of people...I will be able to run my own team.
I have the same "dream" of running my own team. Just know that if you ever see a team called the Central Iowa Thunderbirds or Thunderlords, that's my team. For some reason I like any name with "Thunder" in it.

[MarshalsFAN80]

Um...what?


I have the same "dream" of running my own team. Just know that if you ever see a team called the Central Iowa Thunderbirds or Thunderlords, that's my team. For some reason I like any name with "Thunder" in it.


NOW just to spite you I'm going to buy the rights to the IOWA TEAM and call them the THUNDERBIRDS:) HEHE jk

I think that my dream is a little closer than I thought it would be. I'm still looking for some options and multiple leagues. I'm pretty sure that it's not going to be in the NIFL unless they get things under control. :-D

If the PIFL didn't look to be Westcoasting for the first season, I would have considered that. I think that I have a great MARKET to work in but now, I'm just playing the waiting game.

What does everyone think of the EIFL? (Jamie, no comments here...everyone knows you hate Jim Terry) I'm just interested to see what people are thinking about it outside of the OHIO AREA

[fwp]

NOW just to spite you I'm going to buy the rights to the IOWA TEAM and call them the THUNDERBIRDS:) HEHE jk

I think that my dream is a little closer than I thought it would be. I'm still looking for some options and multiple leagues. I'm pretty sure that it's not going to be in the NIFL unless they get things under control. :-D

If the PIFL didn't look to be Westcoasting for the first season, I would have considered that. I think that I have a great MARKET to work in but now, I'm just playing the waiting game.

What does everyone think of the EIFL? (Jamie, no comments here...everyone knows you hate Jim Terry) I'm just interested to see what people are thinking about it outside of the OHIO AREA


I would investigate ANY other viable league first. If your best opportunity appears to be the EIFL, I would recommend saving your money and face. You really need to do your homework.

For all the chaos we've seen across numerous indoor leagues at this level, I would predict that if a Jim Terry EIFL league actually takes off everything we've seen before will be mild in comparison.

I wouldn't completely rule out the PIFL, if you're serious check out exactly where they're going. There will also be other better options in your area. The EIFL is high risk.

A lot of things will change over the next few months for a number of these leagues. Everything from a league's vision, it's direction and in a couple of cases it's leadership. I think we may finally have a productive offseason. There's actual "quality" competition forming with the PIFL, it's sink or swim time for the other leagues, IMO.

[MarshalsFAN80]

I would investigate ANY other viable league first. If your best opportunity appears to be the EIFL, I would recommend saving your money and face. You really need to do your homework.

For all the chaos we've seen across numerous indoor leagues at this level, I would predict that if a Jim Terry EIFL league actually takes off everything we've seen before will be mild in comparison.

I wouldn't completely rule out the PIFL, if you're serious check out exactly where they're going. There will also be other better options in your area. The EIFL is high risk.

A lot of things will change over the next few months for a number of these leagues. Everything from a league's vision, it's direction and in a couple of cases it's leadership. I think we may finally have a productive offseason. There's actual "quality" competition forming with the PIFL, it's sink or swim time for the other leagues, IMO.

I'm seeing the EIFL as high risk as well. The funds are available if I really was able to secure a franchise through expansion in some league. In most of what I have read about the PIFL their league is expecting to be playing on the "LEFT COAST" Im not sure how true that is but, I think that it is a possibility.

THE NIFL lawsuit against the UIF actually could hold up in federal court so that is big what if right there. No one really knows who is going to win that case.

As a fan, I think that offering fans an opportunity to name a team and offer them to be a true "PART OF THE TEAM". I believe that indoor football can work in almost any market. (as long as there are teams within a days driving distance) I think that REGIONAL LEAGUES are the way to go and can really create some great rivalries.

I feel very strongly in the REGIONAL IDEA. I think that the PIFL seperating things into regions is a GREAT IDEA! The interesting thing so far has been that the Venues that I have been talking to want to know what league a team would be playing in. The leagues want to know what venue you would be playing in;) *someone tell them that they need to work together* HEHE

I have to wonder at this point if it's something that is worth investing the time and energy in. I love the game...I love the 'inside work' that goes on to make a game happen. I think that there are a couple of very VIABLE markets in the Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee areas that currently do not have a team. I'm thinking regionally (based on my location) :rolleyes:

I've become increasingly interested in the prospect of owning a team and have a group of people that are really interested in pursuing that prospect with me. We shall see how it goes;)

[nksports]

If I won a couple hundred million in the lottery, I'd buy the old, near-empty K-Mart and Food-4-Less buildings here in town and put in one of those 5,000-seat, $10 million arenas that these dome people keep saying they can build. Then I'd buy the APFL Aviators and move them in there. Then I'd get an af2 team for the new Wichita arena. Then I'd use the APFL team as a feeder team for my af2 team.

And I'd do that all before investing one thin dime in a NIFL franchise.

[preeths]

THE NIFL lawsuit against the UIF actually could hold up in federal court so that is big what if right there.

Why do you say that? I've seen no evidence at all that a case against UIF has any more of a chance at success than the cases against the other leagues.

[MarshalsFAN80]

Why do you say that? I've seen no evidence at all that a case against UIF has any more of a chance at success than the cases against the other leagues.

All I can say about this is that I have talked to a couple of lawyers regarding the case because of my interest in the UIF. All I was told by both actually was that there is a pretty good chance that the UIF could lose the case. All I read online is that everyone thinks that this is about 'stealing rules' and that it's the use of the NIFL RULE BOOK but it's mainly about the teams that 'violated their no compete clause'

If the people that I talked to about this are right...and I believe they are, the teams in the UIF that left the NIFL could be in trouble. That combined with the fact that NO ONE from the UIF would call me back regarding an expansion franchise and the 'situation with the league', I'm going to have to believe what I've heard from the lawyers.

[tony-o]

If I won a couple hundred million in the lottery, I'd buy the old, near-empty K-Mart and Food-4-Less buildings here in town and put in one of those 5,000-seat, $10 million arenas that these dome people keep saying they can build. Then I'd buy the APFL Aviators and move them in there. Then I'd get an af2 team for the new Wichita arena. Then I'd use the APFL team as a feeder team for my af2 team.

And I'd do that all before investing one thin dime in a NIFL franchise.
I would too buy an old supermarket and turn it into an arena. They don't have any arenas in Fort Dodge so I would be kind of forced to. Or else I can go Aviator-style and use the skating rink in town.

[yellowpages]

In most of what I have read about the PIFL their league is expecting to be playing on the "LEFT COAST" Im not sure how true that is but, I think that it is a possibility.

It is a misperception that the PIFL is focused exclusively on the West Coast. While Vegas is a place they want to have a majority of there operations, that probably won't happen for a couple of years. They're main base is in Texas where they have formed the LLC.

There is interest from several areas throughout the U.S. They may be in your back yard and then again they may not. The PIFL has been pretty tight-lipped on what's happening.

[PIONEERSFAN101]

Marshalsfan80, the teams in the IFL that left the NIFL are "free" aren't they? Didn't the NIFL give up on trying to get them back? And wouldn't the same thing apply with the UIF?

[MarshalsFAN80]

Marshalsfan80, the teams in the IFL that left the NIFL are "free" aren't they? Didn't the NIFL give up on trying to get them back? And wouldn't the same thing apply with the UIF?


I don't really thinkn that they are free...I'm not sure though. I would like a little more information on that. It could be very interesting to find out if they are or not. If they are "FREE" then why hasn't the NIFL removed some of them from their site?
(just wondering)

[nksports]

The same reason the NFL officials stuff is still on their site -- to give the impression of legitimacy that isn't true.

[DestroyersFan]

Marshalsfan80, the teams in the IFL that left the NIFL are "free" aren't they? Didn't the NIFL give up on trying to get them back? And wouldn't the same thing apply with the UIF?

They may be "free" but they may be restricted in competing in some markets depending on what they contract the originally signed stated. I'm a subcontractor and pretty much every subcontracting job I've had included a no-compete clause. Usually it's six months, but has been as high as two years. It means when the contract is terminated, I can not compete for the same customers as the company I subcontracted with. These UIF teams may have violated such a no compete clause in their contract. I guess by "free" they could have moved to another market, or waited until the no compete period ended to resume operations.

[preeths]

Oftentimes, though, you'll find courts very hesitant to enforce noncompete agreements, particularly when 1) the company is local and 2) there isn't another business set to take its place. This worked in the NIFL's favor when the league was formed by a breakoff of IPFL teams. The IPFL tried to enforce a noncompete in Mobile, but the judge refused to bar the Seagulls from playing because the IPFL did not have another owner and team ready to go into the Mobile arena.

[chef hardy]

can anyone help me out with a couple questions? how many expansion teams does everyone think will join the nifl in '07 and possibly where? and does anyone think any current nifl teams are gonna bolt to one of the other indoor leagues looking for more structure? if anyone thinks some teams will, who?

thanks, chef hardy(marty)

[preeths]

You have asked a loaded question. If history is any indication, the NIFL will lose teams and bring in expansion teams. I doubt they know who they'll lose or where they'll expand right now.

[Bill]

If I won a couple hundred million in the lottery, I'd buy the old, near-empty K-Mart and Food-4-Less buildings here in town and put in one of those 5,000-seat, $10 million arenas that these dome people keep saying they can build. Then I'd buy the APFL Aviators and move them in there. Then I'd get an af2 team for the new Wichita arena. Then I'd use the APFL team as a feeder team for my af2 team.

And I'd do that all before investing one thin dime in a NIFL franchise.

Whew.. You scared me for a second... I was thinking "Ah GEEZ, not again!!" After the Warlords, Stealth, and now the Aviators.. Sure ya want to go the AF2 route again?? Maybe the UIF? Course.. People here would rather play the Oklahoma City's and Tulsa's than the Omaha's of the world.. Oh well.. At least you are staying WAY WAY WAY away from the NIFL.. Thanks! lol