The OSC Interview: MLL Co-Founder Jake Steinfeld
by Fran Stuchbury
Published on August 23, 2012 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
OurSports Central Contributor Fran Stuchbury recently interviewed Major League Lacrosse co-founder Jake Steinfeld. Steinfeld, best known for his "Body by Jake" fitness line and television show, helped launch the league in 2001.
Fran Stuchbury: Are you happy with how the 2012 season has progressed?
Jake Steinfeld: Yeah, I am extremely happy. I think the level of play has been tremendous. I think the talent gets better and better every year. The fan participation has been the best it's ever been. Our TV coverage also gets better every day. And our TV partners are getting more enthusiastic about the game as well.
FS: Was the fan support at the MLL All-Star Game in Boca Raton a surprise? What was the main reason Charlotte was chosen to host the 2013 All-Star Game?
JS: It wasn't a surprise, but it's always exciting to be in a new market and to feel the support for MLL. I feel that our commissioner Dave Gross along with his group do a lot of homework and research on where and with whom we play with, so the crowd was great to see but we had a great feeling when you see that kind of a turnout.
The Charlotte ownership group and their fans have been outstanding. On top of putting a great product on the field, their creativity in marketing and promotion has been exceptional. We are really fired up to play our All-Star game in Charlotte next summer.
FS: The Charlotte Hounds and the Ohio Machine joined the league in 2012. How have these expansion teams fared off the field?
JS: Both have fared extremely well off of the field. We have made a conscious effort once again with leadership coming from our commissioner and going about the expansion in a more surgical manner.
FS: What is the timetable for future expansion?
JS: There is no timetable. We have identified a number of fabulous markets in which we believe the MLL and the sport of lacrosse can thrive, and when the markets are ready and ownership groups are in place and we have a great place to play in those markets, that's when we will announce further expansion.
FS: What are the keys to expanding the league's presence in the US and Canadian media?
JS: Continue to do what we are doing. It's going to be every day we are alive, we get a little bit stronger around the country and around the world.
FS: With current television coverage by ESPN and CBS Sports Network, including the 30 minute show on CBS Sports Network "Inside the MLL," where do you see the league being able to improve its television offerings?
JS: We are really excited with our TV partners ESPN and CBS. We look forward to an even further expansion of our TV coverage with these partners and a few more.
FS: Can you tell us more about the book Take A Shot?
JS: It has been a wild ride these past couple of weeks promoting Take A Shot. Not nearly as wild as the story inside of Take a Shot, however, but it is written as a novel in the voices of Dave Morrow and I. The book takes place from 1998-2001 and really talks about the insanity that we went through to launch MLL. If you like adventure tails, comedy, and a really cool inspirational story, you are going to love Take A Shot.
FS: Having a shot clock in the MLL has made the game move at a much quicker pace. Do you think the NCAA will eventually adopt a shot clock to stop teams from getting stall warnings?
JS: I love the way the pro game is played. I think the NCAA is a very smart group and they will make the right decision.
FS: Does having a two-point shot make the MLL a more wide open game?
JS: I thoroughly believe so. I think it makes the game more exciting, more fun and the game is never over until the game is over.
FS: What are some of the ways MLL players are involved in their communities?
JS: In so many different ways! From their own foundation work that they do to helping out at schools, churches, hospitals. We have a terrific bunch of men who really do give back to the communities that they play in.
FS: What cities is the MLL considering to host the 2013 Championship game?
JS: All markets are open right now. We are actually looking at a few cities which do not have an MLL team but we will keep you posted
FS: Where do you see the MLL in five years?
JS: I feel strongly that in 5 years we will be a lot closer to the promised land than we are today.
Major League Lacrosse Stories from August 23, 2012
- Chesapeake Renews Rivalry with Boston at Championship Weekend - Chesapeake Bayhawks
- The OSC Interview: MLL Co-Founder Jake Steinfeld - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- Brendan Mundorf Named Bud Light Season MVP - MLL
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.
