At a press conference today, UFL Commissioner Michael Huyghue announced William E. Mayer, founder of Park Avenue Equity, as the League’s newest investor and owner of the UFL’s New York franchise.  New York Head Coach Ted Cottrell was also in attendance at the press event to welcome Mayer.

“We are very excited to have Bill Mayer join the UFL as owner of our New York franchise,” said UFL Commissioner Michael Huyghue.  “Bill’s business acumen and leadership skills will be an incredible resource to the League and the New York team.  We are in final negotiations for the New York stadium and look forward to announcing more information about all of our teams in the coming weeks, including team names, uniform design and schedule.” 

With over 35 years in private equity investing, Mayer has spent over 20 years at The First Boston Corporation (now Credit Suisse).  While with First Boston, he held numerous management positions including President and Chief Executive Officer and served as Chairman of First Boston’s Investment Committee for eight years.  Mayer was a Professor and Dean of the College of Business at the University of Maryland from 1992 through 1996. He is currently a board member of the following public companies: BlackRock Kelso and Lee Enterprises; and is a trustee of the Columbia Group of Mutual Funds. Mayer is also a director on a number of Park Avenue Equity portfolio companies.  He was Chairman of the Aspen Institute from 2000 to 2008 and is currently on its Executive Committee. Mayer is past Chairman of the Board of the University of Maryland - College Park and is currently on its Executive Committee.

“Affordable and accessible entertainment is paramount in today’s economic climate and this is what the UFL is offering,” said Mayer.  “Having worked with Bill Hambrecht for many years and even housing the League offices in its infancy, I knew the United Football League was a fiscally sound investment and one that showed great potential.”

The United Football League is a new professional football league that will kick-off its “Premiere” season this October. Featuring high-quality traditional football played by world-class athletes and former NFL coaches, the UFL will host four teams in seven cities. The UFL’s goal is to provide fans with affordable, innovative and entertaining game-day experiences.

The UFL’s games, which will be broadcast live on VERSUS in HD, will take place primarily on Thursday evenings and will culminate with a Championship Game over Thanksgiving weekend.  The complete schedule and stadiums will be announced this summer.