Mark Wahlberg & Kurt Warner To Invest In EFLI

EFLI (Elite Football League of India) has announced that Hollywood star Mark Wahlberg and ex- Arizona Cardinals Quarterback Kurt Warner have become the latest investors in the forthcoming league.

The league, ambulance which is set to launch in November with eight teams, cough is the first attempt at bringing American football to the subcontinent.

The EFLI will run through until February 2013 and includes representatives from around India – Bhubaneswar Warhawks, Mumbai Gladiators, Hyderabad Skykings, Goa Swarm, Pune Blacktigers, Kolkata Vipers, Delhi Defenders and Punjab Warriors.

Wahlber has promised to promote the EFLI brand through media and personal introduction and support. He stated, “I anxiously look forward to the inaugural 2012 season. I hope to bring my family to India for the opening game and to witness this miracle that is the EFLI”.

The amount of investment from either man has not been disclosed, but it has been released that Warner will invest $50,000 in the purchase and distribution of Warner Family footballs to schools and across India.

Warner added, “I am extremely excited about the possibilities of the EFLI. I became a partner for two primary reasons.

“First, to expand the reach of what I believe is the greatest team sport in the world. The game of football has a chance to impact the lives of many people and families in India, like it did for mine.

“Second, I believe the success of EFLI will present us with some amazing opportunities to impact their communities from a charitable perspective. I believe we will be able to use the great game of football to truly impact the people of India, both on and off the field, and help many to improve on their quality of life”.

Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka and ESPN NFL analyst Ron Jaworski have already been announced as investors in EFLI.

Looking forward, the league hopes to follow the IPL model and auction the franchises if they are successful.

Sports channel Ten Sports, which is owned by Zee Group, is committed to broadcasting the action.