AFL extends contract of commissioner Kurz

The Arena Football League has signed a two-year contract extension with Commissioner Jerry Kurz.

Kurz, 61, signed a one-year deal with the Tulsa-based AFL last September, and his new deal keeps with him with the league through September 2013.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

“The owners wanted a three-year deal, and that is what I think it will take to finish a lot of what they asked me to start,” Kurz said. “We are growing the league at a slow and steady pace.”

The 18-team AFL is in its second season since emerging from bankruptcy. Under Kurz’s leadership, the AFL this season put new teams in Kansas City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and San Jose, while shuttering its Oklahoma City franchise.

Kurz also helped the AFL secure a new television deal with the NFL Network, and the AFL this year signed league sponsorship deals with the National Guard and with NAPA Auto Parts.