2016 Exhibition Play, 2017 Inaugural Season & Ownership Timeline Announced
Futsal is currently the fastest growing indoor sport in the world and gaining popularity with young people across America.
Soccer News: The Professional Futsal League (PFL) is bringing the first ever competition of its kind to North America next year. The PFL announced its exhibition season in 2016 with the Premier Division and the Championship Division.
The inaugural PFL season will begin play in 2017.
“Futsal’s national appeal along with the number of qualified owners and markets demonstrated a clear need for two divisions,” PFL’s Donnie Nelson said. “Premier will focus on the larger markets and Championship division will provide an equally exciting opportunity for our mid-market partners.”
PFL president Michael Hitchcock outlined the timeline and benefits of ownership in North America’s newest sports league.
“The PFL’s mission of growing the sport of futsal means supporting the game at the elite professional level and the youth and amateur level while investing in player development, referee development & coaching development to ensure the PFL will become the best futsal league in the world,” Hitchcock said. “Our commitment is to growing the game of futsal all over North America through a smart, sustainable business model. Our focus is finding the most qualified owners for the best markets who will be the foundation for the future of futsal in North America.”
All owners accepted by Nov. 1, 2015 will be named charter owners and will host a PFL event during the 2016 exhibition season and participate in the inaugural 2017 PFL Season.
Charter owners will make up the owners advisory board for their respective division. Additionally, the advisory board will finalize the league bylaws, rules, regulations and strategic plan.
PFL TIMELINE
Oct. 1: Deadline for all Inaugural Season Franchise Applications
Nov. 1: Deadline for notifying Owners if their Application has been approved for the inaugural season
Nov. 3: PFL National Signing Day where all owners will sign their Franchise Agreement
Dec. 2015: Charter Owner meetings in Frisco, Texas
2016: PFL Exhibition Season begins with games played in all PFL markets
2017: Inaugural PFL season starts for Premier Division and Championship Division
