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'

Lingerie Football League Set To Announce Major Re-Branding On January 9th

By Marcus de la Fuente
When you accomplish what the LFL has in the past few years, it is easy to be happily satisfied. Since premiering in 2009, MTV Networks saw record-breaking ratings with LFL broadcasts. The games have drawn sell out crowds all across the United States and internationally. In fact, the league’s introduction to countries overseas was received so well, that the LFL has decided to launch a league in Australia this December, and Europe in 2015. The first ever video game deal in the history of women’s sports was just secured with the same developer that creates games for the WWE and the UFC. So when NBC Sports deemed the Lingerie Football League the “Nation’s fastest growing sports league,” it was for good reason. Now, flattered to receive such an accolade from such a prestigious company, it would have been easy to smile and cheers to that. Why not set the cruise control and let the LFL continue on its path towards becoming the next big thing? I think it’s because being the next big thing isn’t enough.
The remarkable following that the LFL has developed over the past few years doesn’t come without the dream of what could be. A vision that began ten years ago as a 20-minute game played among supermodels during halftime of the Super Bowl, has grown into something else entirely. At first, the game was what it looked like. It was entertainment. It was played by beautiful women with weak arms. The league has changed immensely since then, but this early point in the league’s history has to be valued. Without it, there may never have been the proper avenue for women to enter into the sport that we love. Among the millions of young men who tuned in to watch girls play football, there were countless young women watching as well who had that thought of, “I wanna play.” Women who grew up entering in Punt, Pass, and Kick competitions, playing powder puff games in high school, and intramural flag football in college, saw past the obvious marketing strategy in this early age of the LFL. The fact of the matter is, women want to compete just as much as men do, and they want to play football. It is because of this that the LFL was able to make its first transition three years ago from being merely comprised of entertaining exhibition games to becoming a full-fledged league with teams all over the country.
During the first three seasons of the LFL, we have seen the level of talent across the league grow higher and higher. The coaches are 100% committed to putting the best team that they can on the field. The players are willing to engage in year round practices, camps, and training in order to prepare themselves the best they can for each game. The increase in the quality of the football being played is what has brought the LFL closer and closer to this second transition. Whether you’re sitting in the stands or watching at home, the sport of American Football is just so darn watchable. It’s fast, it’s physical, it’s loud, it’s exciting. At this point, the LFL has to keep up with the athletic maturation of its players. So now what? How is the LFL going to make sure it doesn’t plateau, like so many other “next big things” do? An idea that started so long ago has the opportunity to be seriously realized into something appreciated on a much larger scale.
As the LFL heads into its 4th season in the United States, the league is preparing to further brand the sport internationally. LFL officials have announced there will be a major re-branding next week, which could include as much as a name change, new uniforms, and game equipment modification. The move is rumored to position the brand with a greater focus on the athletics of the sport and its athletes.
Mitchell S. Mortaza, Founder & Chairman of the Lingerie Football League, was quoted as saying, “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 credibility as a sport or continuing to be viewed as a gimmick. In the coming years we will establish this sport in Canada, 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.”
League officials will unveil the league’s new name, logo and overall branding shift on Wednesday, January 9, 2012 in Los Angeles.

TorontoTriumph Head Coach Steve Moore Reflects On 2012

By Mark Staffieri
Having endured three straight losses to begin the 2012 Toronto Triumph season, the final game of the season held much tension for Triumph head coach Steve Moore. In his first season at the helm of the Triumph franchise, Moore did not want to end his inaugural season on a losing note.
Dating back to the Triumph’s season in 2011, in which they went 0-4 as an expansion club in LFL US, the franchise had high hopes in the first season of LFL Canada. Having endured an 0-3 start in LFL Canada, the beleaguered franchise had a seven game losing streak. Toronto’s first season in LFL Canada consisted of road losses to BC and Regina, and a home loss to the Saskatoon Sirens and their dynamic duo of Heather Furr and Anne Erler (known as Furrler).
With an end of season battle against the eventual Lingerie Bowl Canada champion BC Angels, the 0-3 Triumph emerged as winners. Moore saw how quickly the players went from desolation to jubilation after experiencing their first win. “I am overwhelmingly happy for the entire team. Throughout the season they never gave up the drive to win.”
One of his biggest challenges during the season was watching the squad attempt to overcome injuries. Knee injuries forced US import Jenny Butler and charismatic leader Alicia Bell (also an LFL Canada Mortaza Award nominee) to sit out a few games. “We will need to get to where we have the right personnel healthy enough to play their appropriate spots and be able to deliver to their capabilities each game. To do that it will also require some recruiting to build on the great deal of talent we already have.”
For a proud roster of determined players, Moore saw how visceral the losing streak was. “After every loss, I saw tears and frustration but never the sign of quit. After this win I saw a sense of relief and determination for drive. That look that says, ‘Okay, here we go, win one.’ Now we must make moves to become a playoff contender.”
Looking to build on the momentum of a franchise milestone, Moore is aiming towards leading the Triumph into the postseason. To get to the postseason in 2013, Moore believes it will take “a lot of hard work; from developing the program to where we are all comfortable in our positions and with the plays, to developing as players and coaches to adapt to the fast paced game.”

Pacific Cup Represents First Interleague Matchup in History of LFL

By Mark Staffieri
In a battle that promises to carry with it much intensity, the Lingerie Football League is featuring a match unlike any in its history. The Seattle Mist of LFL US shall battle the BC Angels of LFL Canada in an interleague match at the ShoWare Center in Kent, Wash. Known as the Pacific Cup, this border battle raises the stakes for the BC Angels as they are the 2012 Lingerie Bowl Canada champions.
Seattle Mist fans were given the 8th Man Award, given to the best fans in LFL US. With the match being contested in Seattle, there is no question that the home field advantage is a big factor. One advantage for the Angels is that they come into the game with a lot of momentum. Having last played November 18 (the date of Lingerie Bowl Canada), the Angels should be game ready. During the LFL Canada regular season, BC did not win a road game. The key for BC is to maintain their composure should they turnover the ball in the first quarter.
In looking at BC’s strength, there is no question that their running game is superlative. Angels running back Stephanie Manou (the LFL Canada rushing champion) is not just a franchise player, but she is the one Canadian that could be a superstar in LFL US. If she can grind out 60 yards in this contest, BC has a phenomenal chance of claiming their first road win of 2012.
During the Angels 2012 season, two players from the Seattle Mist, Jessica Hopkins and Christine Moore, were US imports that were part of the roster. Every squad in LFL Canada (BC, Regina, Saskatoon and Toronto) featured several US imports, as LFL US did not have any games scheduled during the Canadian season. Considering that Hopkins and Moore were key contributors to the Angels’ Lingerie Bowl Canada title, the Angels will have to find a way to win without them.
Jessica Hopkins, the 2011-12 LFL US Mortaza Award winner, had a tremendous influence on the Angels. She led all players in LFL Canada with 27 tackles, while serving as a mentor to Katie Marshall, the winner of the LFL Canada Defensive Player of the Year Award. Ironically, Marshall would also claim the LFL Canada Mortaza Award.
Student will now play against the teacher as Marshall is lining up against Hopkins. With LFL minicamps under way in the US, Hopkins and Moore will be playing for the Seattle Mist in the Pacific Cup. Seattle finished with a .500 record during the 2011-12 LFL US season. With the contributions that Hopkins and Moore made with the Angels, the franchise is very confident that in 2013, the club will accomplish their postseason aspirations.
Marshall emerged as the LFL Canada sack champion, while providing 23 tackles. Although Seattle has a punishing defense, BC also comes with other weapons on its defense. Former Rugby Canada member Stevi Schnoor is perfect for the LFL Canada game, while Ashley Hamer-Jackson and Darnelle Bernemann are both heavy hitters.
While the Mist and the Angels have never played each other, the key to winning the match will be which team makes the fewest mistakes. While Hopkins and Moore have familiarity with the Angels and their style of play, many of the Mist players have not competed for several months. The team that commits the most turnovers will likely be the team that loses the inaugural Pacific Cup.
In what promises to be an annual event, the Mist and the Angels may develop one of the most intense and visceral rivalries in the LFL. Emotions shall run high as friendships were forged on the Angels roster with Hopkins and Moore. The possibility remains strong that the Pacific Cup may turn out to be as prized a holiday football event as any of the New Year’s Day Bowl games.

Pacific Cup Preview: BC Angels vs Seattle Mist Matchup

By Pete Richmire and Tone Young
As the Pacific Cup kick off gets closer and the hype increases, this game has begun to take on a playoff feel with both of these teams looking to make a statement. Let’s take a look at how these teams compare statistically.
QB: Laurel Creel (Sea) vs. Mary Ann Hanson (BC)
Mary Ann Hanson had a great 2012. Working with a primarily rookie receiving core, she completed 40.5% of her passes with six touchdowns and three interceptions. Hanson also ran in a touchdown and showed improvement with each game.
Laurel Creel has a decided advantage in experience and threw for 294 yards in 2011 with seven touchdowns and only one interception. Statistically, combined with a veteran group of receivers, Creel has the advantage in this category. Although, the fact that Hanson has a Championship under her belt makes it closer.
RB: Emily Bell (Sea) vs. Stephanie Manou (BC)
Emily Bell is a Mist veteran. She has been with the team and knows this offense, but with Kam Warner and Ericka Smith leading Seattle’s rushing attack last year, she saw limited time in the backfield. That will change this year as Bell will be the featured back for Seattle, however she is facing a rushing phenom in the Pacific Cup.
BC’s Stephanie Manou put up incredible numbers this year. She had 337 yards on 49 carries plus five touchdowns. She played for the Lingerie Bowl Champions and has more game experience rushing than Bell. Advantage Manou.
WRs
B.C. is coming into this game with their number two receiver Jessica Hopkins playing for Seattle. Aleesa Garcia and Ashley Petrie each have receiving touchdowns, and Kate Marshall looks to be a big part of the Angels receiving game as well. They will however be facing a much stronger secondary than they have ever seen so it might be a long night for the Angels receiving corps.
Seattle is deep at receiver. They are returning six players from 2011 including Jessica Hopkins (12 catches, 222 yards, 5 TDs) and Christine Moore who only had two catches, but they were both touchdowns. Seattle receivers gained 404 yards and found the end zone 10 times. Heading into the Border War, Seattle gets the nod at receivers.
Defense
B.C. will be without their number one statistical defender, Jessica Hopkins, who will be with Seattle for this game. The Angels have very strong pass rushers in Heidi Nordby (14 solo tackles, 3 tackles for loss and 1 sack) and Kate Marshall (12 solo tackles, 6 tackles for loss and 3 sacks). Ashley Hamer-Jackson and Darnelle Bernemann also had tackles for losses. Not including Hopkins and Moore’s stats, B.C. still managed two forced fumbles and two interceptions, so the Angels are not completely inept without the Washington natives.
Seattle’s defense combats B.C.’s stats with experience, experience and more experience. The Mist are returning seven players with defensive experience in the LFL’s stacked Western Conference that features the talented Las Vegas Sin and three time LFL Champion Los Angeles Temptation. Seattle brings back Hopkins, Moore and a team that forced three fumbles and allowed only 77 points in 2011. With the rule change removing restrictions on blitzing, look for Seattle’s defense to shine against a less experienced BC offense.
Coaching: Chris Michaelson (Sea) vs. Kevin Snell (BC)
Both of these guys know football. There is no question about that. Michaelson is the 2011 LFL US Coach of the Year. Snell guided his team to win the LFL Canada Championship. Look for a chess match of plays, schemes and different looks in this game. This category is a draw, but Michaelson has the edge in LFL experience and length of time with his players.
Intangibles
The B.C. Angels are Champions. They are fresh off a great season and look to bring their championship swagger and talent into Seattle. However, they also are looking for their first road win, and the ShoWare Center is a ridiculously tough place to try and get it.
Seattle’s fan base is amazing. They pack the ShoWare Center with 6,900 screaming fans who won the 2011 LFL US 8th Man on the Year Award. The Mist haven’t played since 2011 and they are hungry for action. They are the reigning LFL US Team of the Year and Jessica Hopkins is the Mortaza Award winner. Seattle is looking to make a statement heading into the upcoming US season, and they are looking to jump start it Saturday December 15th. Seattle’s experience tips this category their way.
Angels Coach Kevin Snell is looking forward to this game for his players, and he wants the opportunity to see how his Canadian athletes measure up against a U.S. team. One thing is for sure, we will all find out during this Saturday’s Pacific Cup!

Atlanta Steam: New Kid on the Block in the LFL's Eastern Conference

By Gino Payne
For the women in the LFL, the order of making a team goes as follows:
Impress the coaches in the open tryouts and get invited to attend the team’s official Mini-camp.
Shine at Mini-camp and make the final 25-30 women who will attend the team’s official Training Camp in January.
Perform among the top 20 girls in Training Camp, and make the roster…
Many of the athletes who were invited to attend Mini-camp with some of the other league’s franchises tried out for Atlanta also, but did not survive the cut. Moreover, many of the women who were cut during Atlanta’s tryouts had already made the cut for other LFL franchises. This goes to show the quality of players the Steam are looking for. In fact All-Star cornerback for the Seattle Mist Erica Smith, who attended the Atlanta tryouts to observe the proceedings, was so impressed by what she saw that she is officially moving to Atlanta to be a part of the franchise.  What does this say about the skill and talent that is expected of the Steam players? I’m not quite sure, but who better to weigh in on the subject than the athletes who have dropped their commitment to other LFL franchises to try to make the roster for the Steam?
Here now are the offerings from some of the women who made the first cut for Atlanta as well as some of those who didn’t and returned to their respective teams and/or lives. Let the “War of Words” begin…
Erica Smith – 2012 Seattle Mist All Star (Observed Atlanta Steam tryouts)
    “I saw some beasts out there, a lot of aggression from girls who wouldn’t give up, and that’s good to see from a rookie team. The amount of talented defensive players was good to see… I haven’t told my teammates I’m moving to the Atlanta Steam yet. I’m hoping…I’m sure they will be happy for me.”
Tanyka Renee –2012 Philadelphia Passion player (Observed Atlanta Steam tryouts)
    “This is more girls than have ever shown up at any Passion Tryout… they look great. This is going to be a stacked [Atlanta] team.”
Sharlene Fuller –Invited to the 2013 Jacksonville Breeze Mini-camp (Choosing to attend the Steam Mini-camp instead)
    “I feel like the women who tried out in Atlanta have more talent and aggression, [than the women of the Breeze] more drive and are hungry for it, but the Breeze has qualified veterans, so it kind of evens things out. The Atlanta team is hungry and excited to prove themselves and put a dent in the LFL, so the Breeze better not take us for granted. If things don’t work out [for me] here in Atlanta, I will not be interested in returning to the Jacksonville franchise. I would have to call it a wrap at least until next season.”
Alexandra Stone –Invited to the Philly Passion 2013 Mini-camp (Choosing to attend the Steam Mini-camp instead)
    “The girls from Philadelphia were happy for me. They all wished me luck when I told them I had to leave. If for some reason I don’t make the Atlanta team, I might be interested in returning to the Philadelphia team, but my heart is set here in Atlanta ”
Heather Johnston –Invited to the Philly Passion 2013 Mini-camp (Invited to camp with Steam)
    “The girls in Philadelphia were great. We learned so much from them, but I would much prefer to represent for my home town [Atlanta].”
Ashley Johnston –Invited to the Jacksonville Breeze 2013 Mini-camp (Invited to camp with Steam)
    “For those teams that think they can’t be beaten, bring it on. If you think we are afraid to get hit you are in for a rude awakening because not only are we not afraid to get hit, we are not afraid to hit the crap out of somebody… But we’d prefer to do our talking on the field. Yeah, so leave it at that.
Sweetness Jones – Indicated that she was confident she’d be on the final roster for the 2013 Baltimore Charm. (Invited to Mini-camp with the Steam)
    “I would have to say the Atlanta athletes are more aggressive overall, but Baltimore has a great coaching staff, and Atlanta is just up and coming.”
Some of the women who didn’t make the cut felt the brunt end of the amount of talent that showed up at the Atlanta tryouts.
Melissa Coates – Canadian Body Builder and former member of Philly Passion (Cut early in Atlanta tryouts)
    “…If I was good enough to make the Philadelphia team, then why was I unable to make this [Atlanta] team. I was pretty upset”
Efeme Imoudu – Invited to the Minnesota Valkyrie 2013 Mini-camp (Cut late in the Atlanta tryouts.)
    “…At the Valkyrie tryouts, there were eighty women, maybe. When you are talking about nearly four hundred athletes, it’s really hard to get a solid look [at everyone.]”
Efeme shared that she had only tried out for the Valkyrie in order to prepare for the tryouts in Atlanta. This goes to show that the Atlanta coaches and staff are being far more selective in assembling their roster than some of the other teams.
The Atlanta Steam began holding practices in December to prepare for what will undoubtedly be a tough minicamp.  This team has several players that could easily be the superstar on other teams, and with Pro-Bowl cornerback Erica Smith coming to Atlanta’s Mini-camp this January, the rich are getting richer. If competition indeed breeds success, the Eastern Conference should be on high alert.

LFL Global Signs Major Television Distribution Deal Throughout Asia

Celestial Tiger Entertainment (CTE), the operator of the largest network of pan-Asian channels dedicated to Asian television, and Lingerie Football League, LLC (LFL) jointly announced today the signing of a first and exclusive licensing deal for CTE’s sports network KIX to bring the Lingerie Football League (LFL) to audiences in Asia.
Since its premiere in 2009, the LFL has been touted as the ‘fastest growing sports league in the United States’ by NBC Sports and has drawn record television ratings for US broadcaster MTV Networks.
“We are excited to partner with the Lingerie Football League to bring America’s fastest growing sports league to Asia. The LFL presents tough, sexy, and talented female athletes playing full-contact, American football. At KIX, we promise our viewers the hottest action from around the world,” said Betty Tsui, Vice President, Programme – KIX and Thrill, Celestial Tiger Entertainment.
“This partnership with Celestial Tiger Entertainment is yet another step towards building a global sport. We thank CTE for being the pioneers that introduced LFL Football to Asia,” said, Mitchell Mortaza, Founder & Chairman, LFL Global.
The athletes in their uniform tops and bottoms as well as custom helmet and shoulder pads, have played to sold-out crowds in the US. The (12) twelve US franchises include teams such as the 3-time champion Los Angeles Temptation, Las Vegas Sin and Chicago Bliss all of whom have built an incredible international fan base. The enormous international audience of LFL Football led to the formation and launch of LFL Canada in 2012 followed by the premiere of LFL Australia in 2013 and LFL Europa in 2015. The LFL is also the first-ever women’s sport to have attracted its own video game set to be released in 2015.
KIX promises viewers non-stop, heart-pumping sports action anchored by four programming “pillars”: combat sports, action series, action reality and action movies. The LFL will be a key program for its combat sports pillar and will air first and exclusively on KIX in the first quarter of 2013 across the Pan-Asian region.

LFL Canada Sets The Standard For International Success In The Years To Come

By Jen Rodriguez
After a successful season in the United States, the Lingerie Football League has expanded into other countries worldwide. The first official international transition from the United States league was into Canada, and with it the LFL kicked off higher than the Skylon Tower on the Canadian grounds.
The success from the US league helped build the Canadian league into strong and successful one thus far. By using strategies from the US league and improving on them, the Canadian league and its following continues to grow. The popularity of this organization was able to get the attention from British Columbia’s CHEK television. CHEK Television agreed to cover all eight LFL Saturday Night Football regular season games, as well as the LFL Canada Lingerie Bowl. Along with CHEK Television, the LFL will announce another major Canadian broadcaster agreement as early as next week.
As this organization continues to grow and develop rapidly, one of the LFL’s goals continues to be branding the teams and athletes in the best way possible. Having athletes compete in the Canadian League after being star performers in the US league is something to keep an eye out. Green Bay Chill quarterback and US League MVP Anne Erler stuck out in Canada playing on the Saskatoon squad. Ultra competitive athletes like Erler strike the field hard, playing a style of football that grabs the attention of fans and creates a following. This is what the LFL is all about.
The launch of the United States league has helped establish a foundation and open doors for all the other international leagues to come. The Canadian league will be another stepping stone toward the worldwide future of the LFL. The first inter-league game in the history of the LFL, The Pacific Cup, is scheduled to take place when the Seattle Mist take on the BC Angels in Seattle on December 15th, 2012.
“This inaugural season of LFL Canada had an incredible resemblance to the first season of LFL USA in 2009. Knowing the success that followed in the US, we are incredibly encouraged about the potential of our sport in Canada”, said Mitchell S. Mortaza, Founder & Chairman, LFL Global, LLC.
“Oh Canada!”