Resources:
Without question, American football is the most popular spectator sport in the United States today. Extreme fan interest has enabled the National Football League (NFL) to highly commercialize its activities through lucrative sponsorships, merchandising, licensing, mobile media and broadcasting giving it the largest share (13%) of the worldwide sports market. According to the International Federation of American-style Football, it is currently played in 56 countries, including 13 in Asia.
The Elite Football League of India (EFLI) expects to capitalize on and dominate this fast-
growing sports market in India while delivering a philanthropic platform for university scholarships. Formed as a U.S. corporation in Delaware in April 2010, with offices in San Clemente, California, and Mumbai, India, EFLI is a professional sports league managing the play of American-style football in India and neighboring countries. Through subsidiaries in India, it is the only league authorized to offer American-style football in India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. EFLI has successfully contracted with over 25 major universities in India, representing over 5,000 colleges which is over three times the entire NCAA.
As one of the fastest growing countries in the world with a population of 1.2 billion, India controls the second largest television market in the world (148 million television households). The first season games of 2012 were broadcast on Taj TV’s Ten Sports channel on cable and satellite TV networks in India, and 14 other countries comprising an audience of over 170 million homes.
The company’s U.S. football advisers include: Kurt Warner, former NFL MVP quarterback — St. Louis Rams, New York Giants, and Arizona Cardinals; Mike Ditka — NFL Hall of Fame tight end, and coach of the Chicago Bears; Michael Irvin, NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver — Dallas Cowboys; Brandon Chillar — former linebacker for the St. Lewis Rams and the Green Bay Packers and, Ron Jaworski, former NFL MVP quarterback — Philadelphia Eagles, and current ESPN analyst. Games are only slightly modified for the Indian television market under the expert guidance of Sandy Grossman, eight time Emmy Award-winning, former director with Fox Sports and CBS Sports. Grossman is the only producer-director in sports history to have directed 10 Super Bowl games.
Ed Goren, former Vice Chairman, Executive Producer and President of Fox Sports Media Group, also serves as a member of the Board of Directors and adviser to the company’s senior management. Award-winning sports journalist and ESPN Sports Center Anchor, Kevin Negandhi, who also anchors Baseball Tonight, College Basketball Final, College Football Live, ESPN News, First Take, and NFL Live, has also joined the Board of Directors to advise management on additional broadcasting opportunities.
Producer, director, and actor Mark Wahlberg is also an equity holder and supports the company fully. "EFLI is changing the lives of countless numbers of India's poor and underprivileged... I hope to bring my family to India for the (season) opening game and to witness this miracle that is the EFLI," said Wahlberg in a statement made to help promote the league. According to a Harvard Business Review article in 2013, social impact investing will be the new venture capital of the future. The company believes they are on the leading edge of creating new ways for that future to perform so that developing countries can benefit now.
Entrepreneur mogul, Kenin Spivak, brings his expertise to the management team as Special Advisor to the Board. As former COO of the major movie studio MGM/UA Communications; CEO of independent film studio Island World, 
technology pioneer Telemac Corporation and Archon Communications, which he co-founded with NewsCorporation and the Milken family trusts; founding chairman of the Paul Mitchell Cosmetology Schools, and publisher of Phoenix New Millennium and Knowledge Exchange; chairman of the executive committee of Premiere Radio Networks, one of the largest radio networks in the United States, chairman of the independent directors' committee of Metro Traffic Networks, the global leader in traffic and news reporting, vice chairman of hair care leader John Paul Mitchell Systems and NYSE-listed company, Diversified Industries and a Merrill Lynch investment banker Spivak observed, "Seldom has an entrepreneur's vision been so seemingly obvious, and yet so prescient. Richard and his team had the foresight to conceive of bringing American-style professional football to the world's second most populous country. Then, they had the talent and perseverance to secure unprecedented Government and private licenses and to attract passionate and capable executives and advisors in India and the United States. Their progress has been nothing short of remarkable. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to completing the final steps toward commercializing this compelling business."
One of the most successful Indian entrepreneurs in America, Nick Patel, owner and CEO of the wildly successful L.A. TAN retail franchise also joins the EFLI as a business development executive. Patel commented, "In business, success comes out of vision and intellect. The EFLI is a tremendous growth opportunity in one of the fastest growing consumer markets in the world, a market that I intimately understand. I believe that this league can become very valuable in the long-term. The return on investment for professional sports owners in the U.S. has been exceptional, and I believe the EFLI will provide a similar opportunity for franchise owners in India."
Now that the EFLI has expanded to the major universities in India, its power, growth, and potential in India is undeniable. The TV audience for sports viewership is growing at an incredible rate. This is a unique and timely endeavor. Ownership of ther teams around the country are also available for new ownership.
To watch a sample of the league's playbook, click the team play photo below. It may take a few minutes for the video to download. In 2010, the Elite Football Federation of India, was simultaneously established and recognized by the Indian government, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Authority, as the first active and approved federation to bring American-style football to India.
The Federation is a non-profit society formed specifically to:
(1) Promote the sport of American-style football in India.
(2) 
Provide children, youth and sports enthusiasts of India American-style football at the regional, state, and national level.
(3) Facilitate development of sports facilities with the aims of conducting professional leagues across the country by working in close association with appropriate government bodies, sports institutions, educational institutions plus private and non-profit organizations.
(4) Conduct nation-wide tournaments at various levels, i.e. school, university, state, district, national levels in a professional, fair transparent and competitive manner.
The Federation has developed a close working relationship with the Central Government of India which has resulted in access to stadiums and practice facilities at nominal, way below-market rental rates. The Minister of Sports has even granted permission to the head of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) to facilitate the first ever American-style football coach’s training program.
For the inaugural season of 2012-2013, EFLI selected 400 athletes for the League’s first 90-day training camp. The initial exhibition game was filmed in March 2012 under the supervision of Sandy Grossman at India’s Salt Lake Stadium, the largest stadium in the Indian sub-continent, and the second largest in the world based upon seating capacity.
In early 2013, the company laid the foundation for the League. Contracts were set in place with the Indian goverment, broadcast networks, universities and colleges, permanent coaches, with teams formed and trained. Concerners for the players was mitigated with the use of Brain Sentry sensors placed on the helmets which estimates the direction, peak acceleration, and duration of impact as experienced at the center of the head, and made in the U.S.A. Gameplan Creative of Chicago created the brand identity for the EFLI including developing team names, logos, uniform designs, and other visual elements for the 12 franchises that make up the league. Their distinguished client roster includes national sports properties such as Major League Basketball, National Basketball Association, and the National Hockey League, as well as some of America's most marketable sports brands including the New York Islanders, Chicago Cubs, Washington Redskins, Chicago Blackhawks, and Chicago Fire.
In August, 2014, scored a game-winning touchdown by securing an exclusive partnership with leading mobile innovations firm, IntelaText. This is the first time in sports history that a major sports technology firm specializing in fan engagement will help launch NFL style football in a burgeoning and booming country. The EFLI is growing exponentially and is expected to surprass the NFL in fan engagement over the next few years. The League has doubled in size from 8 teams in Season One to 16 teams in Season Two with an additional 16 teams gearing up for Season Three, totalling 32 teams in total. "We have more desire for ownership than players to fill the roster. American style football is taking off faster than anyone could have imagined. We built a unique and scalable model that enables the EFLI to easily expand to meet the needs of what is soon to be the world's largest middle class," said Sunday Zeller, Co-founder.
The League commenced the second season of television broadcasts in 2014 running for seven weeks with viewers continuing to grow annually. The season included 15 regular season games with a semi-final playoff round and a championship game for both the pro and college level. Live play will begin with the 2015 season. EFLI's theme song was composed by top song writer and producer Adonis Shropshire, winner of 3 Grammy Awards.
Based on this historic-making news coupled with the company's philanthropic scholarship opportunities for students in India, CBS 60-Minutes Sports — the highest rated, most award-winning, successful newsmagazine program in U.S. history — has broadcast a feature story on the EFLI in India that can be found on their web site. 60-Minutes has the highest industry respect because their reputation allows them to choose any subject to report on. EFLI was selected because it deserves international recognition. The show has captivated a massive worldwide audience.
"The EFLI was founded on the concepts of love and unity with the intent and ability to transform lives. By bringing together the East and West in alliance to eliminate poverty throughout the globe, the EFLI will make the impossible a reality through peaceful, healthy, competitive play. Regardless of faith or political view, we can all embrace the game and come together in celebration of the (League's) mission," as stated by Richard Whelan, CEO. Co-founder, Sunday Zellar, has made it has been her personal mission "not to let children of the third world countries be forgotten. One of the ways is to bring in players from the slums." In fact, states Zellar, "it's a lesson to be considered as we walk past the homeless in our own communities passing judgement rather than offering a hand, or a kind word."
Ten Sports will broadcast the games on Saturdays and Sundays from two stadiums. Playoff games will also be filmed by Emmy-award winning, Sandy Grossman, directing and producing all broadcasts in order to create the highest quality viewing experience for India’s sports audience. The company’s business model includes broadcasting, commercial sponsorships, merchandising, licensing, and franchise team sales building its fan base in the world's tenth largest economy. Future plans include an IPO, and taking American football to other countries using the same winning business model.
For proprietary and exclusive access to confidential information about how you may become part of this exciting international sports project contact their representative below:
Kaya Morgan, Principal
Island Connections
9030 W. Sahara Ave., #236
Las Vegas, NV 89117
702.242.3247
Previously published interviews and article links soon to be available on this page include Angelina Jolie, Jessica Simpson, Paris Hilton, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Harry Connick, Jr., Nicole Kidman, Celine Dion, Sylvestor Stallone, Laila Ali, Martha Stewart, The Wrigley's, Google's Larry Page & Sergey Brin, George Lucas, Maloof Family, Casino Mogul - Steve Wynn, Wolfgang Puck, World Champion auto racer - Michael Schumacher, Top Biotech Executive - Tina Nova, International Hair Products Mogul - John Paul DeJoria, Wynn Resort, Amangani - Jackson Hole, Trinity Yachts with many more scheduled for publication.
The Rich & Famous — Celebrities, Athletes & Entrepreneurs:
Donald Trump - Playing the Trump Card (Cover Story)
Beyonce - Renaissance Woman & Certified Superstar (Cover Story)
Angelina Jolie - On Movies & Motherhood (Cover Story)
The Eagles - Life Beyond the Fast Lane(Cover Story)
Sean Combs - Branding of a Superstar
Johnny Depp - Smokin' Hot
Cher - The World of a Legend
Sting - Still at the Top of His Career
Jeff Bezos - King of Cybercommerce
Scott Blum - One of the World's Greatest Internet Retailers
Richard Branson - His Unique Competitive Edge
Fred Smith - Federal Express Renegade
Guy Laliberte - Billionaire Circus Impresario
Jeff Zucker - NBC's Superstar Entertainment Chief
Catherine Zeta-Jones - Hollywood's Perfect Leading Lady
Dwayne Johnson - Transforming the Rock
Demi Moore - Back on Top of Hollywood's A-List
Arnold Schwarzenegger - Real Life Action Hero
Lisa Marie Presley - An Original American Princess
Faith Hill - Country Music's Top Female Performer
Leonardo DiCaprio - One of Hollywood's Hottest Stars
Tom Cruise, Jim Carrey & Celine Dion - Highest Paid Entertainers
Anna Kournikova - Russian Tennis Diva
Michael Andretti - Racing's Top Driver & Successful Entrepreneur
Oscar De La Hoya - Boxing's Multitalented Golden Boy
Derek Jeter - The Yankee's Most Valuable Player
Alex Rodriguez, Tiger Woods & Andre Agassi - Top Athletes
Wayne Gretzky - Hockey's Greatest Player
John Paul DeJoria - A True Global Citizen
John Paul DeJoria - Head of the World's Fastest Growing Hair Products
Benny Shabtai - Raymond Weil's Magical King
Ron Rice - Hawaiian Tropic's Suntan King
Ralph Lauren, Michael Dell & Kirk Kerkorian - Billionaires
Hearst, Getty & Rockefeller - Family Fortunes
The Morgans - An American Family of Financiers
The Vanderbilt Legacy
Glenn Myles - Wall Street Tycoon
David Clapper - Success Runs Deep
Michael Eckerman - Wealth Recovery Specialist
Angus Mitchell - First Family of Hair
Erica Shaffer - One of the Most Recognized Faces on TV Today
Michele Rogers Berk - Hollywood Producer With A Twist
Steven Cheroske - Designer Extraordinaire
Richard Lukaj - Wizard of Wall Street
William Clark - Scottsdale's Polo Afficionado
360 Degrees - Aviation Story of the Decade
Travel Destinations:
Richard Branson's Private Retreat - Necker Island
Dallas' Adolphus Hotel & The French Room
Amangani - Majestic Jackson Hole
Turtle Island - Romantic Ecotourism Hot Spot of the South Pacific
Ulusaba - South Africa's Ultimate Luxury Safari
Fiji - Barefoot Elegance In Vatulele
Musha Cay - Luxury Bahamian Island Retreat
Lowes Ventana Canyon Resort - Tuscon's Architectural Masterpiece
Four Seasons Resort - The Brightest Star on Palm Beach
Inn At Little Washington - A National Treasure
Bel-Air's Historic Hotel & Restaurant
The Fairmont Scottsdale - A True "Princess"
Private Villas & Luxury Estates:
Frank Sinatra - Beverly Hills Legendary Hideaway (Cover Story)
Peter Guber's Aspen Mountain Estate (Cover Story)
Harry Winston - Famed Jeweler's Scarsdale Estate (Cover Story)
Robin Leach Realizes A Dream - Luxury Antigua Estate (Cover Story)
Paul Hogan - Crocodile Dundee's Down Under Plantation (Cover Story)
William Holden's Santa Monica Penthouse
Caribbean Treasure - Cayman Islands' Great House
Hollywood Producer's Palatial Hawaiian Estate - Hi'ilani
Oscar Hammerstein Estate - Montego Bay
Paradise Point - Oceanside Villa In St. Croix
Bluefields Bay - Jamaican Old World Ambiance
Artist Profiles:
Anthony Quinn - Tribute to A Master
Tony Curtis - Legendary Actors Impressions on Canvas
Madalina Nicola - Hot New Contemporary Artist
George Sumner - Environmental Impressionist
Alfred Rogoway - Celebration of An American Artist
Great Chefs & Top Restaurants:
Alain Ducasse - World Renowned Atelier of Gastronomy (Cover Story)
Charlie Palmer - The "Godfather" of Restauranteurs (Cover Story)
21 Club - Manhattan's Prestigious Landmark (Cover Story)
Fleur De Lys - San Francisco's French Haute Cuisine
The French Room - Dallas' Adolphus Hotel
Thomas Henkelmann - Greenwich's Best Kept Secret
The Ventana Room - Tuscon's Ventana Canyon Resort
Bel-Air's Historic Hotel & Restaurant
Muriel's - Palm Springs Hot Spot
Tru - The Windy City's Top Pick
Marquesa - Arizona's Highest Rated Restaurant
Entertaining:
Festive Holiday Table Settings - Designs For Home Entertainment (Cover Story)
Exquisite Silver - Precious Handcrafted Sterling
The Wine Connoisseur - A Primer For Non-Afficionados
New Technologies/Methods:
Grow Yours - Natural Breast Enhancement
Return to Venture Capital home page or Return to Top
For a business consultation, or publicity for yourself or your business, e-mail or contact:
IMAGINE MediaWorks
An Island Connections Affiliate
9030 W. Sahara Ave., #236
Las Vegas, NV. 89117
702.242.3247
All rights reserved © 2015
*Disclaimer