Park Avenue Equity's William Mayer To Own UFL's N.Y. Franchise
United Football League (UFL) Commissioner Michael Huyghue yesterday announced Park Avenue Equity Founder & Senior Partner William Mayer as the owner of the league’s N.Y. franchise. Ted Cottrell, the franchise's head coach, also was on hand at the media event. Huyghue said that the league is in final negotiations for the team's stadium. The UFL is scheduled to begin play in October of this year (UFL). Huyghue yesterday in introducing Mayer said, "Can't play without New York." Mayer said that the franchise could play their home games at Citi Field or Hofstra Stadium, and ticket prices will average $20 per game. In N.Y., Jay Greenberg notes the team also "will play one contest in Hartford as a test for a franchise there" (N.Y. POST, 6/9). Mayer: "We will be playing somewhere in the city, so you don't have to go across the river." Huyghue added, "We just think that that's really where our market is. I think that's where people really want to have some ownership in a football franchise, that will never feel that way about the Jets or Giants." Huyghue said the team will announce their home stadium in "two to three weeks" (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 6/9).
CALLING THE SHOTS: PRO FOOTBALL TALK's Mike Florio cites sources as saying that former Saints personnel exec Rick Mueller "has secured a key position" with the UFL as VP & GM. A formal announcement is expected as soon as today. Mueller will "serve in that role for all four franchises" in the league's inaugural season, and he will "oversee all aspects of player scouting and acquisition" (PROFOOTBALLTALK.com, 6/8).
|
