LFL Announces New Name & City For The 2013 Championship Game

Legends Football League has announced the rebranding of its legendary annual Super Bowl Sunday halftime game called Lingerie Bowl which will now be called the Legends Cup. The high-profile championship game has been awarded to the city of Pittsburgh and Highmark Stadium.

Since premiering in 2004 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the Lingerie Bowl has become a staple of Super Bowl Sunday festivities for millions annually reaching nearly 140 million viewers around the world and thousands at the LA Coliseum.

Pittsburgh was awarded the Legends Cup on the heels of also being named as an LFL expansion city for the 2014 season. “We are making a significant investment in the city of Pittsburgh and more importantly its incredible diehard football fan base. This will be an historic first-ever Legends Cup and there is no better background than the Monongahela River as its backdrop, played in front of the country’s greatest football fans,” said LFL Chairman Mitchell S. Mortaza.

The host stadium for Legends Cup 2013 will be the newly built Highmark Stadium. “This is a monumental moment for our young facility. We are incredibly excited and proud to have attracted such a blue-chip event that will surely generate significant excitement throughout the city,” said Melissa Lazar, CEO of Highmark Stadium.

As part of the Lingerie Football League’s re-branding to the Legends Football League, the championship games played across each of its existing leagues in the USA, Canada, and Australia will also be titled Legends Cup.

The city of Pittsburgh will host a game that has been called the “Ultimate LIVE Sports Experience” as well as all of the events leading up to Legends Cup 2013 on Sunday, September 1st.

Schedule of Events

Thursday, August 29, 2013 | National Media Day (Highmark Stadium)

Friday, August 30, 2013 | LFL Black-Tie Awards Dinner (Private Venue TBA)

Saturday, August 31, 2013 | Championship Team Practices open to public (Highmark Stadium)

Saturday, August 31, 2013 | Legends Cup Official Kickoff Party (Private Venue TBA)

Sunday, September 1, 2013 | LFL Tailgate Village, 5pm (Highmark Stadium)

Sunday, September 1, 2013 | Legends Cup 2013, 8pm (Highmark Stadium)

Sunday, September 1, 2013 | Legends cup Official After-Party (Private Venue TBA)

LFL And Celestial Tiger Entertainment Announce Mega Asia Tour

Legends Football League and its Asian broadcast partner Celestial Tiger Entertainment (CTE) are announcing a tour to introduce LFL Football to several countries in Asia. LFL all-star veterans Natalie Jahnke and Liz Gorman from the 3-time LFL Champion Los Angeles Temptation will join Baltimore Charm quarterback and fan-favorite Angela Rypien on the five-city Asia tour.

The tour is in advance of the first and exclusive broadcast of LFL USA’s games across Asia on CTE’s action entertainment channel KIX. CTE and the LFL have agreed to a multi-year broadcast partnership to bring LFL Football to viewers across Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.

The LFL stars will join LFL Chief Operating Officer Heather Theisen in a promotional tour that will include appearances on major national television shows and events in major cities throughout Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.

League officials will be announcing significant plans in Asia over the next five years to include several All-Star Games tours, and the league has not ruled out eventual league-play to include national teams in Japan, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Philippines and Singapore.

LFL Asia Tour

Bali

Jakarta

Singapore

Philippines

Hong Kong

LFL: A Global Sport

By Marcus de la Fuente   
A league that was once considered a gimmick has officially become a global sport, having drawn sell-out crowds internationally with nearly 20,000 fans in attendance and now broadcasting in over 90 territories around world. By late 2014 the LFL will be seen in more international households than the National Football League (NFL). Heading into its 4th season in the US, which starts on Saturday, March 30th in Jacksonville, Florida, the LFL global franchise has never been stronger, exceeding the pace of success in its first three seasons of operation than did the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), now billion dollar franchises. By 2015, the LFL will have active international league play in Ireland, Germany, UK, Australia, Canada and the USA. LFL Global officials anticipate even further growth among each league, expanding to an eventual twenty-six franchises in the US, eight franchises in Canada, eight franchises in Australia, twenty franchises throughout Europe, and a soon to be announced Latin/South American league to include six franchises throughout Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil.

Legends Football League Wants You To Name The Pittsburgh Team

Last week, Legends Football League, formerly known as the Lingerie Football League, announced plans to launch an expansion franchise in Pittsburgh in 2014. League officials are now announcing that Pittsburgh fans will have the opportunity to name the newly announced franchise. Please submit team name submissions to LFLinPitt@LFLUS.com.
Click to see Pittsburgh uniform unveil video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQbYhxwVNwQ&feature=youtu.be
The team name with the most number of submissions will be chosen and the person who first submitted the team name, will be part of the historic Opening Night coin-toss in 2014.
League officials will soon announce the host stadium/arena as well as the winning team name submission.
Pittsburgh will be part of the LFL’s Eastern Conference which also includes soon-to-be rival Philadelphia Passion, Jacksonville Breeze, Omaha Heart, Atlanta Steam, Cleveland Crush and Baltimore Charm.

Legends Football League Sexed-Down Ahead Of Australian Launch

By Kristin Shorten
The frills, bows, garters and chokers have been banished ahead of the Lingerie Football League's debut Down Under in a bid to attract better broadcasters, sophisticated sponsors and credibility.
But fans and players are bummed the risqué uniforms are being shunned for something a beach volleyball player might wear as the sport rebrands to Legends Football League.
The new uniforms - while still skimpy - will be streamlined in an effort to shift the focus from the babes to their ball-skills.
Fans have mocked the changes, saying that if the LFL was serious about sport it would cover its players up completely.
Meanwhile commentators in the US say this spells the end for the sport's franchise, claiming most people went to see the outfits rather than the actual game.
LFL founder Mitchell Mortaza, who arrives in Australia this week for team trials, said the rebranding was about empowering players.
"There are no longer garters, there are no longer chokers, there are no straps on the shorts, and you won't see the lace on uniforms," he said.
"We've taken away any sexy female figures in and around the branding as far as the logo's concerned.
"We've also done away with the tag line."
It has changed from "True Fantasy Football" to "Women of the Gridiron".
Johanna Theobald, who plays tight end, said she was initially disappointed by the conservative approach.
"We all liked Lingerie Football … but it's still called LFL and I think it will always have that image of chicks playing football while not wearing very much," she said.
"I was definitely attracted by the (original) uniform because you still got to be an athlete but the uniform was awesome.
"But it's really not that big of a change. It's just less like lingerie now and more athletic."
The league's rebranding has also seen Australia swap America's overtly sexual team names such as Philadelphia Passion, Las Vegas Sin, Los Angeles Temptation and Chicago Bliss for Queensland Brigade, New South Wales Surge, Western Australia Angels and Victoria Maidens.
But Brigade assistant coach Regan Webb still reckons they will attract bigger crowds than you see at some A-league soccer matches.
"(We expect) up to 10,000 … I'd be happy if we had 5000 along," he said.
"Our team's got from uni students through to defence force personnel, professional sportswomen, police officers and mothers.
"I don't think anyone tried out just so they could wear frilly knickers."
The Queensland team's uniform will be the first to be unveiled this Saturday.
Webb said changing the uniform was a risk but one he thinks will pay off.
"It was originally a half-time gimmick. Mitch teamed up with Hugh Heffner and had the playmates dress up and pretend to play football," he said.
"Then he turned it into actually playing league and drew sports-specific athletes.
"Mitch could probably stand to make millions if he kept the girls in lingerie but they would never be taken seriously and would probably reach saturation on their fan base.
"It's a risk (to rebrand) but he's pretty smart where he's got himself so far so he must know what he's doing."
Australian state trials kick off in Brisbane this weekend.
"We're looking for athleticism and coachability. The rest we can teach as long as they're comfortable with it," Webb said.
"The first season is just a contract to play - costs are covered but there's no remuneration.
"Girls want to raise their public profile and they see this as a perfect way to do it."

Atlanta Steam’s Nasira Johnson Makes The USA National Football Team

By Gino Payne
The Atlanta Steam has a world class Football player on their roster. Nasira “Nas” Johnson is one of 45 athletes to secure a position on the coveted U.S.A Football Women’s National football team. These 45 athletes are among the same women that will represent the United Stated in Brazil in 2016. While the LFL has seen Olympic athletes from various Olympic sports, for the first time, the LFL has a player that is on the U.S.A Football team. The news came after weeks of waiting for the final roster confirmation from the U.S National Committee.
“Felt like I won a championship,” Nas stated excitedly when asked how she felt about the good news. “The tryouts were tough. There were women at the tryouts representing all of the leagues in America, and all of the woman had tackle football experience.”
Nasira is small in stature, but she managed to outshine the 180 players invited from all over the country to the US tryouts, just as she stood out amongst the 400 plus players who tried out for the Atlanta Steam in October of 2012. The team convenes throughout the year for training and practice for games in Australia, Europe, and other spots around the world.
“My focus is on the Atlanta Steam and our upcoming season. That is the first and most immediate football I am facing right now. How can I be overwhelmed? Playing football is something I have wanted to do since I was young. I’m living my dream. I am so proud to have the opportunity to represent the Atlanta Steam and the Legends Football League in front of the world. This is just a testament to the talent on the Atlanta Steam roster.”

Washington Redskins Great Gary Clark Named Baltimore Charm Head Coach

Legends Football League officials have announced the hiring of former NFL All-Pro and Washington Redskins Super Bowl champion wide receiver Gark Clark as the new Head Coach of the Baltimore Charm. Clark will replace Rick Reeder, who was released last week due to a violation of the league’s conduct policy as well as leading the Charm to a losing record during his tenure.
Clark, an all-time NFL great, brings the experience, football knowledge, and intensity that the Baltimore Charm have been missing since the franchise’s premiere. Ravin Caldwell, a two-time Super Bowl linebacker, and John Booty, an NFL great who played 8 years in the NFL as a defensive back, will join Clark on the sidelines as assistant coaches.
“Having played at the highest level and biggest stage in football, our approach as a coaching staff and team will be to get to that same pinnacle in the LFL. Baltimore is an incredible football town, as proven by their support of the Ravens. Now it’s time to bring that spotlight and support to the Charm. That only comes from winning,” said Clark.
Clark will be at the helm of a team that boasts its best roster since launching as a franchise in 2010 and is led by Angela Rypien, the daughter of his former quarterback, Super Bowl MVP Mark Rypien. The aforementioned Rypien should develop in a offensive scheme that will allow her to develop her passing game behind a solid running attack and much improved defense.
LFL Global Chairman Mitchell Mortaza had this to say about the arrival of Gary Clark to the LFL, “As a Redskins fan, I remember our glory days of the late 80s and early 90s… of course Gary was at the heart of those winning teams. Having met with Gary, you get an instant sense of his commitment to bring that winning culture to the Charm. We felt this franchise needed better guidance and a shift in mentality. Gary and his staff will bring just that”.

Former San Diego Seduction Coach Eddie Chan Lands Head Coaching Job Of LA Temptation

Today it was announced that former San Diego Seduction head coach Eddie Chan has been named the new head coach for the Los Angeles Temptation. This comes just days after legendary Temptation head coach David ‘Biz’ Bizub announced his retirement from coaching in the LFL after a ten year tenure.
Chan will bring in two assistant coaches that have been with the Temptation during their three-year championship run. They include Jason Sands and Scott Talanoa.
“This is a great opportunity for myself and my staff to continue the legacy Coach Bizub has left behind here in LA. We are already very familiar with the system, personnel and will work to better our performance on the field,” said Eddie Chan when asked about taking on the job as head coach.
Los Angeles will be part of a very competitive Pacific Division that includes a revamped Seattle Mist team and perhaps the most improved team in the LFL, the Las Vegas Sin.
Temptation 2013 Schedule
@ Chicago Bliss, Friday, April 19th
VS Seattle Mist, May 4th
VS Vegas Sin, June 29th
@ Minnesota Valkyrie, August 9th

3-Time LFL Champion Assistant Coach And Defensive Coordinator Tui Suiaunoua Retires

After three years as Assistant Coach and Defensive Coordinator for the LFL’s most successful team, Tui Suiaunoua has retired from coaching the LA Temptation. He leaves just days after the announcement of the departure of LA Head Coach David Bizub.
Suiaunoua left the following message for LFL fans, “We had one of the most amazing journeys in the 3 years that we were a part of this league. A story book finish to the greatest team ever in LFL history, the Los Angeles Temptation. We accomplished what no football team in history has ever done before….Won 3 straight World Championships!
It was an honor and a privilege to have been the D-coordinator for the 3 amazing championship teams I coached and to have served as assistant to Coach Bizub. Dave was not just a head coach and colleague of mine, he is my good friend and a great person I have the pleasure of knowing.”
LFL Chairman Mitchell Mortaza had this to say about Tui’s retirement, “Tui will always have a place in the history books of the LFL as a great defensive coach and someone who was part of a group that enabled us to get on this current incredible path to becoming something truly special.”
Tui and David’s replacements have yet to be announced.

3-Time LFL Champion Head Coach David ‘Biz’ Bizub Announces Retirement

Legends Football League announces the retirement of perhaps the most legendary figure in the history of the league dating back to its Super Bowl halftime show era of 2004. David ‘Biz’ Bizub of the Los Angeles Temptation ends a ten year career that included three championships, 22 wins and 1 loss and recognized recently as an All-Star Coach. (two more championships were won under Bizub in Lingerie Bowls)
Bizub’s importance to the most winning franchise in league history was evident when he left the sidelines in 2011 for a brief stint in the LFL broadcasting booth. However Bizub’s heart was clearly being on the sidelines with his team and shortly after Los Angeles suffered its first loss since 2009, the Biz returned to the field and guided the Temptation to a third-straight championship establishing the LFL’s first-ever ‘Dynasty’.
Bizub’s family commitments lead to his decision to walk away from the game to spend more time with his family.
“Outside of getting married and the birth of my two beautiful daughters, this has been the most memorable and rewarding experience of my life. My players and coaches dating all the way back to 2004 as well as the league’s leadership in Mitch and Heather will always be a part of me. I also cannot thank the fans ‘Temptation Nation’ enough for all the memories and support over the years. I will always be part of the Silver & Black”, said, David Bizub.
The departure of Bizub means long-time defensive coordinator Tui Suiaunoa will be named interim head coach.
“I cannot think of another individual who has been more instrumental to our game dating back to our Lingerie Bowl era of 2004. Biz has been an incredible force in the development of our modern day game both on and off the field, leaving his mark in the history books of LFL Football. He will truly be missed”, said, Mitchell S. Mortaza, Founder & Chairman, Lingerie Football League, LLC.

Legends Football League Announces Major Canadian National Broadcaster

Legends Football League has announced an exclusive broadcast partnership with Canada’s number one French-language sports network, RDS.
Since premiering in 2009, the LFL has drawn sell-out crowds both in the US as well as internationally, becoming the highest-rated LIVE sports series for its US broadcaster MTV Networks. The LFL was awarded the first-ever video game deal in the history of women’s sports, is now broadcast to over 85 territories around the world, and launched international league play with LFL Canada in 2012 to be followed by LFL Australia in 2013 and LFL Europa in 2015.
“We are excited to partner with the Legends Football League to bring America’s fastest growing sports league to Canadian television. LFL Football has generated great excitement around the globe on sports-centric networks, and we feel it will find a passionate audience here at RDS,” said Robert Turcotte, Vice-president Programmation, RDS.
The inaugural season of play in Canada was a tremendous success with franchises in BC, Saskatoon, Regina and Toronto. LFL Canada’s success was highlighted by drawing a television contract in its first season of play as well as twenty-percent higher than projected attendance. Partnering with RDS further cements the LFL’s strategy on building the sport in Canada.
Mitchell Mortaza, Founder & Chairman, LFL Global, was quoted as saying, “Following an exciting inaugural season in Canada, we want to further increase our exposure nationally and have taken a tremendous step toward building our fan base north of the border. With RDS, not only have we partnered with a sports-driven broadcaster, bringing instant credibility to our on-field product, but we have also made our game available to many more Canadians.”

Chicago Bliss Returns To Sears Center Arena

By Marcus de la Fuente
Legends Football League officials have announced that one of the most storied franchises will be returning to its old home. The Chicago Bliss are headed back to Sears Center Arena for 2013. The arena hosted the historic, first-ever LFL game that saw the Bliss beat the Miami Caliente 29-19 in front of a near capacity crowd. Several Chicago Bears players were in attendance that day, the most noteworthy being Chicago football figure Mike Ditka, who presented the opening coin-toss.
That night, another Chicago milestone was reached as the Bliss got their first win in front of a packed stadium. Winning at home, in front of a large crowd, would become tradition for the Bliss as they would remain undefeated at the Sears Center Arena over the next two years.
Perhaps the most memorable LFL game played at Sears Center Arena was on December 18, 2010 when the Bliss met the Philadelphia Passion, amidst a 3-foot snowstorm and gusting winds. Despite the treacherous weather, thousands of loyal fans made their way to Sears Center Arena in order to pack the stadium. In fact, a line of cars stretched all the way back to the highway and led to a delayed kickoff. Once the crowd was inside, they watched their team rout the Passion 46-19.
With the success that the Chicago Bliss franchise had on the field and in the stands, you might ask why, in 2011, they moved to the South Side’s Toyota Park in Bridgeview?
The reason was simple: The league wanted to draw even larger crowds in a much larger venue. While that strategy appeared great on paper, the magic of the Sears Center Arena and North Side fan base did not follow the team to the South Side stadium. Toyota Park drew merely respectable crowds, and the team struggled on the field with an 0-2 record.
Fast-forward to 2013. League officials have gone back to recreating the old magic of the original Bliss franchise, bringing back head coach Keith Hac and returning to their beloved home of Sears Center Arena.
Opening night of the Chicago Bliss 2013 season will feature one of the most anticipated match-ups of the year. The 3-time LFL champion Los Angeles Temptation arrive in Chicago to take on the Bliss on Friday, April 19th. What better way for the Bliss to open their return to an old and magical era than with a match-up against LA?
2013 Chicago Bliss Home Schedule
Friday, April 19 vs. Los Angeles Temptation
Friday, May 10 vs. Las Vegas Sin

Lingerie Football League Re-Brands As Legends Football League

Lingerie Football League (or 'LFL') officials have announced a major re-branding of the Lingerie Football League as Legends Football League. Despite the tremendous success' of the Lingerie Football League since premiering in 2009, LFL officials are now positioning the global brand to gain more recognition as a sport.
"This is the next step in the maturation of our now global sport. While the Lingerie Football League name has drawn great media attention allowing us to showcase the sport to millions, we have now reached a crossroad of gaining credibilty as a sport or continuing to be viewed as a gimmick. In the coming years we will further establish this sport in the US, Australia, Europe and Asia as the most known form of American football globally. In order to reach the next milestone, we feel the focus has to be the sport and our amazing athletes", said Mitchell S. Mortaza, Founder & Chairman, Lingerie Football League, LLC.
LFL re-branding announcement also includes:

• Performance wear replaces all lingerie aspects of uniform.
• New design of logos removing any sexy female figures.
• Redesign of shoulder pads to increase protection.
• Brand tagline shifts from 'True Fantasy Football' to 'Women of the Gridiron'