Major League Football (MLF), which announced this week
it plans to organize into a 24-team league and kick off in
the fall of 2001, has targeted Richmond for one of its
franchises, according to Paul Woody of the RICHMOND TIMES-
DISPATCH. The MLF "plans to locate" its franchises, which
carry a $2-3M expansion fee, in cities that don't have or
expect to get NFL teams, with the exception of N.Y. and L.A.
The teams will play 14-game schedules, and the season will
"culminate" with the Victory Bowl. So far, none of the
franchises has been sold except for the Orlando franchise.
The MLF does not have a TV contract yet and "is not counting
on obtaining one." MLF Dir of Media Relations Ryan
Stephens: "We're not banking on a television contract to
support the league. We expect teams to support themselves
on ticket sales, concessions [and] revenue from apparel."
The league was founded by Florida Press Publishing Owner
Adam McLean, who will serve as the league's Commissioner and
Owner of the Orlando franchise (TIMES-DISPATCH, 2/25).
