Expansion: A Major Issue

With the popularity of the PFL reaching new heights, the concern of rapid expansion is atop of the owners agenda. THE LEAGUE certainly wants to expand and add new members, however, owners want to be cautious, citing LEAGUE integrity as its number one concern. THE LEAGUE owners are very happy with the current ownerships and have become increasingly wary of new comers. "We must screen our applicants carefully," stated Deputy Commissioner Womack, "and we must be careful that we don't get caught up in the excitement of expansion and select members that could jeopardize the integrity of this great league." This seem to be the sentiment of all the owners. The PFL has become like a family to each of them. THE LEAGUE is very well structured and organized and built on a solid foundation. The competition and camaraderie are awesome. To select just anyone because they want to join would be a mistake THE LEAGUE does not want to make. "We must also be certain that these guys know how serious we are," stated Commissioner Wayne Allen. "These guys are for real! They have play books, and come to play every week. Our business meetings are conducted professionally, and everyone plays there games weekly, and on time. This isn't just play a couple of games and drink some beer."

Commissioner Allen is certainly correct about that. Ed Hayward once remarked that he couldn't believe the level of professionalism that THE LEAGUE has when handling its business. "When I saw guys come in with big thick manuals for play books, I knew this was serious," Hayward remarked. Keith Franklin, also new to THE LEAGUE last season said,"when I went to the first meeting, I thought we would just sit around and lightly discuss playing. I had no idea there were constitutions, by-laws, motions, seconds and all that other stuff."

For the luck four or eight members that gain entry, the PFL will be worth the wait and the expansion fees it cost them to get involve. THE LEAGUE will be hosting its first annual PFL Awards Banquet in October to present Waymon Gresham the SuperBowl Championship Trophy. And with Madden 99 getting such rave reviews, many of THE LEAGUE members can't wait to start the 99 season. Its a Madden League unlike no other.

You have to believe that Edgar Rubio and Anthony Smith are the front runners to get franchises. Rubio may be returning after a year leave of absence from the PFL, while Tony Smith, considered by Allen & Charles to be one of the founding fathers of THE LEAGUE, will certainly get a huge push as well. If the owners opt to stop at four, look for Brian Cook to get support from several owners, including Joe Hilton, Israel Charles, Alvin Barrow and perhaps Teddy Brown. Cook has attended several PFL events and is anxious to get a franchise. On the outside is Mike Phillips. Phillips, a close associate of Teddy Brown was also a guest at several PFL events and has a decent game. The problem with this scenario is that, Kevin Fox, Ed Hayward, Keith Franklin and Waymon Gresham all candidates they would like to see get franchises as well. If THE LEAGUE opts for only a four team expansion, look for three of those to be Rubio, Smith & Cook. Phillips may be the odd man out because either Fox, Gresham, Franklin or Hayward will get someone in.

The next biggest concern has been hosting of events. If THE LEAGUE expands to 16 teams, they will be faced with a scheduling dilemma. This means that 16 players must be at the site at one time unless of course those times are staggered. Even with staggered times, someone's home will be packed to capacity because all PFL members love to scout games. Their will certainly be a need for more game monitors. Two won't get the job done unless the games are played throughout the day. Executive Director Charles will be faced with the challenge of putting a plan in place THE LEAGUE will be willing to adopt. Sources have revealed to us one plan that Charles is considering bringing to the owners;

All games be played at one site but at a large site, such as SHS, NRMS, CCHS, ect.
Four game monitors be provided.
Four games will be played simultaneously
Two games will be scheduled per night
Week 1 games will start at 6:00 PM & 6:45 PM
Week 2 games will start at 7:15 PM & 8:00 PM
Thursday Night will be the official LEAGUE night
Two members will provide hosting (optional)

PROS - This type scheduling could accommodate a 16 member league. The large facility accommodates 16 members easily. All players could still meet and scout and observe. The PFL Camaraderie remains.

CONS - Members may not feel comfortable at the proposed facilities and opt for the privacy of a home as a host site. The evening may still be long for a Thursday. Four game monitors will difficult to acquire.

Charles is said to be also working on a proposal for a separate sites and split game nights. We will keep abreast of any developments in this area.

Its be a tough decision that the PFL has to make. More teams certainly bring more excitement to THE LEAGUE. But the owners are interested in quality of opponent more so than quantity of opponents. The logistical concerns will drive some owners meetings past midnight in debate. However, THE LEAGUE'S future is bright. And however many teams are selected, those owners that do join, will be luck to be a part of something as exciting and worthwhile as the PFL.