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The OSC Interview: PIFL Team Owner Jeff Knight

by Andrew LaMastra
June 20, 2013 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Knoxville NightHawks


OurSports Central's Andrew LaMastra recently spoke to Jeff Knight, Managing Director of Southern Sports and Entertainment, LLC. Knight is the owner of two franchises in the Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL): the Alabama Hammers and the Knoxville Nighthawks. A graduate from Athens State University in Alabama, Knight had worked in the commercial and retail sector before pursuing an involvement in professional sports.

Andrew LaMastra - How did you get started owning professional sports teams? What sparked your desire?

Jeff Knight - I played football in high school, I coached football as did my father, so I've been around the game my whole life. Luckily, I got to a place where I could afford to do it and have the ability to own a franchise.

A.L. - How did you first get involved with the Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)?

J.K. - Well, Huntsville had a team for years, and then they moved to Atlanta. We got involved in the business a few years back. It was originally run like a semi-pro league before. Then they decided they could begin running a professional league without the expenses of a league like the AFL (Arena Football League), and the league became what it is now.

A.L. - What are the specific challenges associated with being the owner of indoor football franchises?

J.K. - The challenges include getting people to understand the few and limited opportunities football players have to play professionally. These players have the skills and ability to play football at a professional level, but don't get the opportunities available in other sports, like baseball or hockey, that have large development systems. The perception is that these guys are just bums we pick up to play, and that perception needs to be changed.

A.L. - Can you tell me the differences between the two markets in which you have your teams?

J.K. - They're both similar in size. Huntsville is different because there is less competition from a Division One school or any other professional teams. The closest team would be the Titans, who play an hour and a half away, and Auburn, which is three hours away. Knoxville has the University of Tennessee, which is a domineering force in that market, so there is more sports competition there for sure.

A.L. - What skills and abilities were you able to transfer from your experience in commercial and retail management to sports management?

J.K. - There are many similarities between the two. You're dealing with people, listening to people, and figuring out how to get the most out of your units by providing more for less. Other leagues have tried and failed at this. We haven't exactly figured it out yet either, but we are trying.

A.L. - What are your current and future goals in terms of the league you are working in? Where do you see the PIFL in five years?

J.K. - The goals are to build value for the owners of the teams and the markets. We're also trying to build on being a part of the communities as well. What we're trying to accomplish here is giving athletes the ability to showcase their football talents in the hopes that they can build on their future. Some guys in our league have gone on to play in the CFL (Canadian Football League), and we've also had a number of guys attend NFL training camps as well. The PIFL has been making an effort to contribute to the markets we're in as well, and have a positive effect on the communities. Now, we have a lot to overcome, but if we keep doing the right things, people will enjoy what they get for their money. In five years - well, we're limited in that you can only go where people want you. But, as long as we make it affordable to see a quality product, then growth could happen in the future.

A.L. - How does another team's hardships, such as what happened in Louisiana this season, impact the other teams in the league? What can indoor football leagues do to prevent these situations?

J.K. - We have, in reviewing potential ownership groups in the past, turned down new owners and teams looking to move in from other leagues routinely; some of whom would surprise you. Criteria for inclusion have been set and there is a plan in place that owners need to be able to keep themselves in business. Not much can be said about Louisiana. The PIFL owners were fortunate enough to be able to step in and run the Louisiana franchise for the remainder of the season competitively...they even beat Knoxville last week. We could've just put semi-pro players in, but we chose not to do that. In the end, the only people who will be hurt if new owners don't step up are the fans.

A.L. - What would you say is your greatest accomplishment in your career in professional sports?

J.K. - Work comes and goes, only family and a good team can get things done. I don't look at any accomplishments as singular, I have a great wife and supporting cast and that's how things get done. At the end of the day, I'm just like anyone else.

A.L. - If you were to offer one piece of advice to someone interested in professional sports administration, what would it be?

J.K. - Don't be star struck. Get in there and understand what you're getting involved with and the liabilities involved. It's always better to be right than wrong, so don't take other peoples' word for anything. Know for yourself what you're getting into.

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The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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