It's Official: The American Arena League (AAL) & Midwest Professional Indoor Football League (MPIF) Come to Terms
January 19, 2019 - American Arena League (AAL) News Release
"I am pleased to announce that after weeks of negotiations the AAL and MPIF have come to terms," states AAL CEO, Tony Zefiretto. "We are continually contacted by teams, leagues, and potential sponsors from around the country with an interest in joining the AAL. We have always expressed an interest to expand the footprint, but understood that we need to have a solid infrastructure to build upon. It wasn't until we spoke to the Front Office at the MPIF that we realized the Midwest States would be a great place for our newest division."
"We knew the history of the Midwest Professional Indoor Football (MPIF) League and were impressed by what they were able to accomplish over the last four years. It was a no brainer than to discuss a strategic partnership with them. They are a no nonsense group that is committed to providing a quality product on and off the field. It was refreshing to speak to true business professionals who have spent their time building their league."
"Part of my commitment to the MPIF was to help build upon the successful brand and take the league, teams, and more importantly players to the next level," stated MPIF Vice-President Rick Sanchez. "From the first call that I had with Tony, I could tell this was someone who we could do business with. We share the same vision and goals for the sport."
As part of this agreement several MPIF teams will now join the newly created AAL Central Division. The new Division will cover Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Missouri. The 2018 MPIF Champions, Western Michigan Ironmen, Indianapolis Enforcers, and Chicago Aztces have already committed for the 2019 season. The Midway Marauders (M3I) have committed for the 2020 season and the AAL/MPIF transition team is in discussions with additional potential AAL Central Division teams.
Pedro Carriedo, MPIF Commissioner says, "I couldn't be more happier for this joint venture. When Luci and I started the MPIF 4 years ago, our vision included getting local players exposure to other teams outside of the area and this does exactly that."
"The creation of the AAL Central Division is just the first part of the agreement. Even though the MPIF teams have moved up to the AAL, the MPIF nor the Carriedo's are going anywhere," states Zefiretto. Luci has accepted the role as President of the Chicago Aztecs and Pedro has accepted the job as GM for their Inaugural Season. We decided this would be best for all parties as the plan would be to utilize the MPIF as a developmental league and the best way for Pedro and Luci to see how the AAL operates. We intend to have the MPIF/AAL Developmental League operational for the 2020 season. "
Teams interested in joining the AAL should email: americanarenaleague@gmail.com
Any teams interested in joining MPIF, an AAL Developmental League for 2020 can contact Rick Sanchez at rsanchez@mpifootball.com
About the American Arena League:
The American Arena League (AAL) started as the APF and is now entering its third season. League executives have over 40 years' of experience in operating pro sports organizations including in major league baseball, indoor/arena football and minor league baseball. The AAL league office serves as a support system to enhance the success of its teams. For more information about the AAL, please visit www.americanarenaleague.com or call (561) 252-9187.
About Midwest Professional Indoor Football:
The Midwest Professional Indoor Football (MPIF) League is a non-profit, arena football league based out of Berwyn, IL. MPIF will be entering its 5th year of operation. For more information about the MPIF, please visit www.mpifootball.com or call 708-543-9002.
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American Arena League Stories from January 19, 2019
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
