DFI is the first American developmental football organization (founded in 2018) engineered to cultivate the annual flow of 16,000 Division I, II, and III prospects. It is the first turn-key franchise platform to develop elite athletes who are attempting to thread an NFL/CFL needle of opportunity, or who are honing college-eligible skills.

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DFI refines and showcases player skills through trademarked processes like the NBA's G-league and MLB's minor-league systems. DFI franchises share scalable brands, policies and procedures, verifiable data, and deliver measurable results.

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The league plays by NFL rules, with NFL-style uniforms, and oversight from former NFL executives, coaches, and players.  
 

CHARACTER EDUCATION PROGRAMS

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'Above the Line' leadership development is a Chief Cornerstone of DFI, where becoming a "Game-Ready Player' requires prospects to be a 'Life-Ready Man™.' 

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The market for DFI is substantial. Current Southern California territories include Los Angeles, San Diego, Lancaster, greater Palm Springs, Downey and Santa Clarita - with populations totaling 10 million. With its success, DFI will grow professional American developmental football across North America.
 
By 2025, DFI's flagship franchise will invest more than $500 million into stadium infrastructure to create the first of many venues that deliver an unforgettable fan and competitor experience.
 
DFI Productions is in development of a state-of-the-art facility that will produce and distribute games nationwide, along with original content to national partners and local affiliates.
 
The executive branch of DFI provides its member clubs unparalleled support across 19 departments, ranging from branding, marketing and communications to corporate partner development, and leadership and vocational programs.
 

HEADQUARTERS

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DFI is headquartered in California's Coachella Valley, which is host to several million visitors each year for some of the largest and most famous music, food, and arts festivals in the world.
 
Popular travel site, Trivago, name the Coachella Valley as a rising global destination, and Matador Network ranks it as a No. 1 destination city in the nation for live music. The Coachella Valley hosts notable events Coachella, the Coachella Valley and Arts Festival, Indio Southwest Arts Festival, and Stagecoach Country Music Festival.

 

HISTORY

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DFI was formed in 2017 by principals with a collective 200 years of senior sports, business management and professional events experience, whose primary goal is ensuring the long-term stability of professional American developmental football in North America.
 
Among the league's founding members are the SoCal Coyotes, America's #1 Developmental Football Program™. The duplicatable operating practices of the Coyotes non-profit sports leadership organization are the national standard of American developmental football.

 

MAJOR MILESTONES

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In 2014, NFL Executives named the SoCal Coyotes ‘America’s #1 Developmental Pro Football Program™.”

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Including the Coyotes, proof of concept for all DFI policies, procedures, practices and processes were tested with a pool of four teams in 2015, and again with three more in 2017. 

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In 2021, flagship franchise the SoCal Coyotes were named California’s #1 Non-Profit of the Year by State Senator Melissa Melendez.

 

In 2022, DFI partnered with the LaBelle Developmental Football League (LDFL), California’s oldest league, and home to nine-time champion - and former national champion - Inglewood Blackhawks.
 

2022 TEAMS & SCHEDULE

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DFI will grow outward from Southern California, with a regional approach designed to build rivalries. For 2022, DFI has partnered with the renowned LDFL. The joint-venture has announced 42 games (including playoffs and championship) scheduled over 12 weeks from March to mid-May.​​

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VISION

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The vision of DFI is to establish the most internationally respected and sustainable professional American developmental football leagues that is both attractive and rewarding for players, investors, partners and fans. 
 
DFI fosters self-sufficient teams and wide-spread community impact through its award-winning character education programs, quality assurance processes, and performance-driven criteria.  It counsels its member clubs on methods that maximize revenue, develop ancillary programming and create operational efficiencies.

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MEDIA REACH

Three of DFI's teams competing during the 2022 season are in Greater Los Angeles, the Entertainment Capital of the World. Greater LA is the nation's second-largest television market and population base.
 
All DFI games will be broadcast live exclusively on DFI Prospect. The accessibility of live video showcases DFI and its players, coaches, and fans, while connecting its clubs and partners to a global audience.
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KEY EXECUTIVES

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J David Miller – CEO
Scott Brandwein – Managing Director of Strategic Partnerships
Jack Mills - Counsel
Jim Mora – Advisory Board 
Tom Flores – Advisory Board 
Dr. Ben S. Wehrli, M.D. - Director, Sports Medicine
Curt Pesmen - National Director, Strategic Media 
Sam Maggio - Chief Information Officer (cio@developmentalfootball.com) 
Ron Di Grandi - Senior Vice President
Scott Alvarez - VP Digital & Content
Kailey S. Hamilton - Director Social Media (info@thesocalcoyotes.com)
Gisselle Romo – Gonzalez, Director Public Relations
Ray Clay - Chief Administration Officer (cao@developmentalfootball.com) 
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FAN BASE

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The DFI fan base reflects that of NBA G-League, USL, MLS soccer - young (64% between ages of 18-44) and male (79%). A high proportion of them are college educated (91%), employed (87%) and with a high annual income (42% have household income of at least $100K). DFI fans are passionate about the game of American football, with a high number being current and former players with a strong interest in various American football leagues. 

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DFI fans are tech savvy, with more than one-third consuming DFI-related news via digital and social platforms on a regular basis.