NFL Buys Stake In Arena League

The Arena Football League is finally reaching the mainstream.

The NFL has purchased an option in the Arena League, which plays a modified brand of indoor football in the spring and summer. The NFL said the move is designed to develop year-round interest in football and promote the game around the world.

The result: The NFL can hold a minority share of up to 49.9 percent and the Arena League will get the benefit of the NFL's exposure and big-time reputation.

The final agreement must be approved by 24 of the 31 NFL teams. Neither league would say during a conference call how much the NFL paid.

"Our goal is to support football at all levels," NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue said. "An interest in the 13-year-old Arena Football League would enhance our stake in the future of the game, both in the United States and internationally."

The Arena League, which could be renamed to conform with its NFL backing, will have 15 teams next season, including the expansion Buffalo Destroyers. New Orleans and Los Angeles will begin play in 2000.

Roger Goodell, the NFL's senior vice president for league development, said he envisioned the Arena league creating new NFL fans. In Arena football, spectators sit close to the field and are able to see and hear the contact.

"It gives more people (the chance) to see the game first hand," he said.

The arrangement between the two leagues was facilitated by Neal Pilson, the former president of CBS Sports. He noted the cost of purchasing an Arena franchise has increased in the last three years from $500,000 to $5 million.

The NFL began its association with Arena football last June, when it gave Saints owner Tom Benson permission to operate an Arena franchise in New Orleans beginning in 2000.

NFL bylaws prohibited NFL owners from investing in other football leagues or teams, but the amendment approving Benson's involvement could allow other NFL owners to buy Arena teams.

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