The NFL has formed NFL International (NFLI) which will be
headed by NFL Properties VP/Business Development & Special Events
Don Garber. Garber has been named Senior VP/Managing Dir of NFLI
and will be responsible for all international operations of the
NFL, including licensing, sponsorship, merchandising, TV
distribution, American Bowls and all development activities. NFL
Commissioner Paul Tagliabue said the new division was formed in
response to the "growing worldwide interest" in American
football. Tagliabue: "We look at the international marketplace
as one of the major growth areas where we will focus our
attention in the future." NFL Enterprises will oversee NFLI
operations (NFL). ACROSS THE POND: Garber is "charged with
creating a more united front out of overseas programs," according
to Terry Lefton of BRANDWEEK. The job "should help streamline
efforts" of NFL Enterprises and NFL Properties, "which insiders
say have had some turf battles." Garber said he will focus more
on "market development than immediate revenue" (BRANDWEEK,
10/14).
