MIAMI, March 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — NFL Hall of Fame Ray Lewis joined the board of the World Jai-Alai League (WJAL), America’s only professional Jai-Alai league. Lewis, considered one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history, lends his unique skills to jai-alai, the world’s fastest ball sport. With 13 Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl MVP award, Lewis brings his competitive nature to a sport looking to break through in 2023.
“I’m thrilled to join WJAL on the ground floor and help bring awareness to this growing sport,” Lewis said. “They are incredible athletes who play a particularly difficult game, and Scott Savin and his team are building something special. I can’t wait to get to Miami soon to see these athletes in person.
“We couldn’t be happier to welcome Ray to our Board of Directors. It’s a great day for the growth of our league,” said Scott Savin, Director of Operations of the Jai-Alai World League. “Ray’s stature, experience and knowledge will increase the overall awareness of jai-alai, which is already growing exponentially. Ray will be a motivating force, not just for our athletes, but for all of us.
Lewis is a former professional football player who played as a center linebacker with the Baltimore Ravens throughout his 17-year NFL career. He is an NFL Hall of Fame player, two-time Super Bowl champion, and host of “The Ray Lewis Show.”
Jai-Alai is a 400 year old sport originating from the Basque province of Spain. It was made in competition in UNITED STATES for almost a century. Players use a basket type racket called that’s it to throw and catch a ball that often travels at speeds over 150 mph. The five-team league features the best players in the world, including several from the University of Miami athletes. They join an international array of talent from Spain, France, MexicoAnd The Philippines.
With a historical heritage and a significant presence in Miamithe WJAL Board of Directors includes six prominent individuals, including Joey Cornblit, the first US-born player to achieve world champion status, and Leon Shepard, affectionately known as “Tevin” during his reign as retired U.S. Champion Jai-Alai. The allure of this opportunity has not escaped Lewis, who has always felt a strong connection to the city. Additionally, Lewis noted that several universities in Miami athletes found a new way to earn an income through their active participation in the organization, especially those who did not reach the National Football League.
The WJAL broadcasts all games live on ESPN3 and is licensed for sports betting in 12 states, Mexico, and the Province of Ontario. The WJAL plays three days a week (Monday, Tuesday, Friday) at the Magic City Fronton in Miami. WJAL Spring Season Play Days are open to the public on Fridays (7 p.m.) until May 12. In addition to ESPN3, WJAL matches can be viewed on Jai-Alai TV (www.jaialai.live), via the Jai-Alai app (downloadable on Roku, Firestick, iOS and Google Playstore) and on www.watchjaialai.com.
About Jai-Alai World League
The World Jai-Alai League (WJAL) is dedicated to revamping the once renowned sport of jai-alai across the world by modernizing gameplay, capitalizing on the booming international sports betting market and bringing the sport via the social media to a new generation of fans. .
For more information, visit www.jaialaiworld.com. The WJAL plays at the Magic City Fronton in Miami located at 450 NW 37e A V.
MEDIA CONTACT
Sandy Rodriguez
305-753-3787
[email protected]
SOURCE Jai-Alai World League
#NFL #Hall #Famer #Ray #Lewis #Joins #JaiAlai #World #League #Board #Directors
