Leagues and Governing Bodies

DRUCKER SAYS ARENA BALL IS HERE TO STAY

4.26.1996

     On the eve of its 10th anniversary, AFL Commissioner Jim
Drucker was interviewed on ESPNET's SportsZone about the league's
endurance and plans for expansion.  Citing a renewed "quality of
ownership, integrity and financial backing," Drucker said the AFL
will "clearly survive" and now considers itself the "fifth major
league" in the U.S.  Drucker noted the 15-club league added teams
in Nashville and New Jersey Meadowlands for next year and is also
considering an 18th franchise (among Buffalo, Portland, Salt Lake
City, Denver, Grand Rapids, Philadelphia) for '97.  The AFL is
working to develop a "solid marketing strategy" and Drucker
predicted a select number of AFL playoff games and the league's
championship game would be on network TV by '97 or '98.  He added
total AFL revenue is expected to be up around 25% in '96 and that
Hakan and Associates will produce the first AFL merchandise
catalog (SportsZone, 4/25).

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