Kurz named Arena Football League’s first-ever President

By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher

Jerry B. Kurz, the Arena Football League Commissioner for the past five-years, has been appointed to the league’s first-ever President.

Kurz has been involved with the league for the past 28-years, and was the major factor in the league returning following the bankruptcy in 2009. In the last two seasons, he has helped the league expand to Los Angeles, Portland and Las Vegas in 2015.

Football

Last season, he was also able to secure ownership for the Orlando Predators, who were bought by David Siegel of Westgate Resorts. The San Antonio Talons are also looking for an owner, and could go under the league’s ownership until an owner is put in place.

During the 2014 campaign, which saw the Arizona Rattlers win their third straight championship, the league had two broadcast partners with CBS Sports and ESPN. It was the first time in league history that the AFL had done this. Previously, the league games were held on the NFL Network.

This appointment was made during the Board of Directors at the ArenaBowl XXVII week, but was just made official to the media today. The statement says, “He will continue dedicating his life to furthering the sport by providing his unmatched football knowledge and strong business ethic. Kurz will continue his efforts to bring the highest quality product to the ever-growing population of Arena Football fans.”

With this new agreement, he has signed a three-year contract. His new emphasis will be football operations, game rules, player personnel, coaches, game officials, compliance, relations, negotiation s with the AFLPU, and the AFLOA. He will also oversee the Arena Football Hall of Fame.

“I’m pleased that our Board of Directors has asked me to continue doing what I love to do,” Kurz said. “It’s such an honor that I get to continue helping the AFL move towards its bright future.”