JERUSALEM — The Israel Football League (IFL) has finalized a new sponsorship agreement with the Kraft Family, owners of the National Football League’s New England Patriots.
The alliance makes the Krafts the title sponsors of the first full-contact tackle football league in Israel. Heading into its second season, the league has re-branded itself as the Kraft Family IFL, to reflect its relationship with one of the most prominent football families in the world. The IFL is operated by American Football in Israel (AFI), which is centred at Kraft Family Stadium in Jerusalem.
“Without question, this is the largest and most important partnership in league history,” said AFI president Steve Leibowitz. “We are delighted that Robert and Myra Kraft and their wonderful family are once again demonstrating their support as we continue to develop the great sport of football in this region of the world.”
Ben Friedman, an IFL commissioner, said that “the Kraft family involvement will ensure a banner year for both the IFL and American football in Israel at large. We’re excited to kick off our upcoming season with such a significant milestone.”
Robert and Myra Kraft have an extensive history of supporting football in Israel. The Kraft Family Stadium opened in Jerusalem in 2000 and provides state-of-the-art facilities for the development of a series of football leagues operating at the playing field. The Krafts visit the complex each year, and on one trip they brought along the Vince Lombardi Super Bowl trophy and sports personalities, including former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue, NFL MVP Tom Brady and Patriots players Richard Seymour and Benjamin Watson.
During his most recent visit to Jerusalem in March, Robert Kraft viewed an IFL game and decided to lend his support. “I am thrilled to be in Israel watching tackle football for the first time,” he said that night. “I get a special feeling in my heart every time I hear Hatikvah sung on a football field and hope to help this sport grow in this country.”
In related news, the league also unveiled a new logo today, incorporating the Kraft family name into the graphic design, which combines the images of a tightly spiraling football with the Israeli flag in its wake. The new logo will appear in all marketing communications and advertising campaigns of the league in the media, as well as on all league merchandise, at conferences, tournaments, events and games.
The IFL’s second season kicked off on Nov. 16. Friedman said the leagues “continue to spread the fundamentals of football and teach the principles of sportsmanship, team unity and competition.”
The five-team league consists of the Tel Aviv “Mike’s Place” Sabres; Modi’in “Dancing Camel” Pioneers; Jerusalem “Blue Sun Music” Kings; Haifa “Real Housing” Underdogs’ and last year’s league champion, the Jerusalem “Big Blue” Lions.
For more information on the Kraft Family Israel Football League, visit www.ifl.co.il.