I was thinking having a football on your logo might be redundant or too busy, so I created something similar to the NFC and AFC logos of the NFL.
My layout idea has a custom "A" star logo as the tying factor for all of your branding. It is the main logomark for the league (shown in the upper portion of this layout, with the 5 stars for your divisions), and it is also the "A" of "Advantage" in the wordmark for the league. I am envisioning the top portion being on half of the ball, with the middle seam (not the laces, but rather the side seam of the football) in between, and the bottom portion being underneath on the second portion of the ball. I would post a full ball mockup, but that is prohibited here on LT. Hopefully you can envision it though. I look forward to seeing what you think!
Also, I should mention that this logo would only have to be 2-colors (possibly 3 if the swirl pattern on the ball intersects it), which would keep your printing costs lower than the previous year. As well as make the overall design cleaner and easier to produce.
I liked the general direction before reading your comments. After reading I understand more clearly the "why" and beenfits for the versions submitted. The "A" is conceptually good, but not really liking the one submitted on its own merits. Very "Dallas Cowboys" with respect to the star. Good work, great ideas.
Here is a new layout... One that is more dynamic than others, that will fit the contour of the balls quite nicely. Thanks for the initial feedback; I look forward to seeing what you think about this one.
The letter "A" init's current form just isn't looking right for us. The thought going into the concept and the adaptability of the logos for print, letterhead, etc was terrific. Just need to see another version that will look pleasing to the eye. Thanks for the work.
#32 and # 33 have a place in our current discussions and plans, but we need to see the great "A" cme to completions for finish. Also, moving forward, would like to add "Brea" to list of cities as well. Thanks.