Partnership Focus Areas
Where We’re Seeking Anchor Partners
The PFL is currently seeking founding anchor partners in these key areas:
MEASUREABLE IMPACT
Your partnership enables:
- Black franchise ownership in six markets
- Black wealth creation through equity and infrastructure assets
- Community economic development (Black business participation, local hiring, youth programs)
- HBCU support and professional pathways
- Policy advocacy for systemic change in sports ownership
WHERE WE NEED YOUR HELP
League Infrastructure
- Football operations infrastructure
- Player development systems
- Officiating standards and training
- Competition structure innovation
Organizational Capacity
- Digital platform development
- Operational systems and processes
- Administrative framework creation
- Governance structure establishment
Market Development
- Diversity advancement initiatives
- Accessibility expansion programs
- Youth development frameworks
- Community engagement approaches
Event Operations
- Innovative content creation
- Digital engagement platforms
- Next-generation viewing experiences
- Interactive fan participation systems
Reserve Funds
- Operating reserves for sustainability
- Contingency for unexpected costs
- Bridge funding for franchise launches
PARTNERSHIP PROCESS
How to Become an Anchor Partner
The PFL takes a personalized approach to partnership development:
Step 1: Initial Inquiry
- Submit partnership inquiry by contacting info@professionalfootballleague.org
- Brief phone or video call at 800.886.0686 to discuss your organization’s interests and objectives
- Receive partnership prospectus and tier information
Step 2: Partnership Discussion
- Detailed presentation on PFL mission, structure, and opportunities
- Review partnership benefits and customization options
- Discuss your organization’s goals and how partnership aligns
- Q&A with PFL leadership
Step 3: Proposal & Due Diligence
- Receive customized partnership proposal
- Review partnership agreement terms
- Conduct due diligence (financial review, IRS determination letter, governance documents)
- Engage your tax and legal advisors as needed
Step 4: Agreement & Activation
- Finalize partnership agreement
- Execute contract and process initial payment
- Announce partnership (press release, social media, etc.)
- Begin activation planning (brand integration, hospitality, advisory participation)
Step 5: Ongoing Partnership
- Quarterly financial and operational reports
- Regular advisory participation (for applicable tiers)
- Activation execution (brand placement, events, content)
- Annual impact reporting
- Renewal discussions for multi-year commitments
Timeline Note: Process can be accelerated for time-sensitive opportunities or extended for complex organizational approval processes.
LEGAL & COMPLIANCE DISCLOSURES
REQUIRED DISCLOSURES FOR 501(c)(6) SPONSORSHIPS:
Tax Treatment Disclosure: > “The Professional Football League™ is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade association. Contributions to 501(c)(6) organizations are generally not tax-deductible as charitable donations under IRC Section 170. However, payments for sponsorships that provide commercial benefits (such as brand placement, hospitality, and advertising) may be deductible as ordinary business expenses under IRC Section 162. The deductibility of your specific contribution depends on the benefits received and your organization’s circumstances. Please consult your tax advisor.”
Commercial Benefits Disclosure: > “Founding Anchor Partner benefits include commercial value such as brand placement, hospitality, advisory participation, and business development opportunities. The value of these benefits may affect the tax treatment of your contribution.”
No Quid Pro Quo Disclosure: > “While Founding Anchor Partners receive recognition and benefits as described, contributions support the league’s 501(c)(6) mission to advance the business interests of Black-owned professional football franchises and promote industry development.”