The OSC Interview: Spokane Shock Owner Nader Naini
by Fran Stuchbury
September 9, 2015 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Spokane Shock
OurSports Central contributor Fran Stuchbury recently interviewed Spokane Shock owner Nader Naini. Last week the Shock announced it would be moving from the Arena Football League to the Indoor Football League, the second team in two years to move the switch. The Shock played the last six seasons in the AFL and prior to that began its existence in 2006 in the AFL's minor league, arenafootball2. A general partner with Frazier Healthcare since 1995, Naini purchased the Shock early in 2014.
Fran Stuchbury: What are the reasons the Spokane Shock are moving from the AFL to the IFL?
Nader Naini: It's been well chronicled that one of the reasons is we think the economic/business model of the IFL is sound. We think the game is an attractive one with more balanced running, passing and play calling. Also we will have some great regional rivalries that are going be renewed by virtue of this move.
FS: What kind of impact does the move have on the Shock's expenses?
NN: Clearly the expenditures are important; the business model for the IFL is one that lends itself to a sound economically viable, long-term model versus other models. Part of it, as you know, is others don't end up being sound long term.
FS: Do you feel the Shock will be on an even playing field in the IFL?
NN: Yes, I think the Shock will be on an even playing field in the IFL. You're alluding to a lot of the issues I have raised relative to the playing field in the AFL versus anything else. I think there are certain things that can be done and I think there are always improvements that can be made relative to developing a level playing field in various leagues. I think even with the IFL, I think there is level playing field, but there are some kinks that can be fixed that would make it an even more level playing field.
FS: How do you feel about the new IFL rule that only allows seven players on a team roster with more than three years of experience?
NN: I have a strong point of view. I feel it enables teams to not be able to stock their rosters with veteran players, and there is some value to that. I think the rule will give a nice blend. tI think that the rule will be useful and will again enable more competitive play on the field and more parity in the league, which I think is not a bad thing for any league.
FS: What were the reasons the Shock switched back to Adam Shackleford as head coach?
NN: We switched back to him because Adam Shackelford has an understanding of the IFL game and is known in Spokane as a winner. He coached the Shock to a 49-8 record in the arenafootball2 league from 2007-09, including a league title. He is also well known among IFL players which he has started recruiting for our new roster.
FS: Do you feel a good rivalry will take place between the Shock and Tri-Cities Fever?
NN: Absolutely, I think there was one back in the day when they played each other in af2. I respect the ownership of the Tri-Cities team; I had the chance to spend some time with them. Also the Billings Wolves will be a great rivalry. They are a regional rivalry for the team so I am very excited about that.
FS: If the Shock draw the same amount of fans they did last season, can it be a profitable franchise? What attendance average would you be happy with?
NN: Those are real specific questions that are hard to answer. My expectation is that the community has supported the Shock historically. They like the Shock, they love their team and they will continue to be supportive as they have historically.
FS: How has your experience been with the Shock fans, especially the fan group The Goal Line Bandits?
NN: I love those guys; they are what wants me to keep this team going. I think that those fans are the ones that are very committed to driving my decision-making on how we operate the franchise, and we're excited to bring back a team for 2016 and happy to have their support moving forward.
FS: So what plans does the Shock have be involved in the community prior to the IFL 2016 season?
NN: I don't think anything will change. We will continue to be involved in the community. We have historically had players, cheerleaders, front office folks, even myself at times, involved in the community meeting with our supporters and people that we would like to see become supporters of ours.
FS: For fans who have not been to a Spokane Shock game, why should they attend a game this season?
NN: For your benefit, I attended a grand total of one game before I acquired the team back in 2014. It is one of the more electric environments in sports entertainment compared with other venues you will ever go to. It's an incredibly exciting experience, and I think that sort of excitement on the field will continue with head coach Adam Shackelford. We don't expect there to be any change relative to the fan experience that we think is one the best experiences in the league.
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Indoor Football League Stories from September 9, 2015
- Minnesota Havok Join IFL - Minnesota Havok
- Minnesota Havok Join IFL - IFL
- The OSC Interview: Spokane Shock Owner Nader Naini - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- The OSC Interview: Spokane Shock Owner Nader Naini - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- The OSC Interview: Spokane Shock Owner Nader Naini - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
