No More Arena Football?
(December 19, 2008)
No More Arena Football?
(December 19, 2008)
Citing the tough economic conditions, the Arena Football League has voted to suspend operations for the 2009 season and hopes to return to action in 2010.
| Historical AFL Teams |
| Albany Firebirds (1990-2000) |
| Anaheim Piranhas (1996-1997) |
| Arizona Rattlers (1992-2008) |
| Austin Wranglers (2004-2007) |
| Buffalo Destroyers (1999-2003) |
| Carolina Cobras (2000-2004) |
| Charlotte Rage (1992-1996) |
| Chicago Bruisers (1987-1989) |
| Chicago Rush (2001-2008) |
| Cincinnati Rockers (1992-1993) |
| Cleveland Gladiators (2008) |
| Cleveland Thunderbolts (1992-1994) |
| Colorado Crush (2003-2008) |
| Columbus Destroyers (2004-2008) |
| Columbus Thunderbolts (1991) |
| Connecticut Coyotes (1995-1996) |
| Dallas Desperados (2002-2008) |
| Dallas Texans (1990-1993) |
| Denver Dynamite (1987, 1989-1991) |
| Detroit Drive (1988-1993) |
| Detroit Fury (2001-2004) |
| Florida Bobcats (1996-2001) |
| Fort Worth Cavalry (1994) |
| Georgia Force (2002-2008) |
| Grand Rapids Rampage (1998-2008) |
| Houston ThunderBears (1998-2001) |
| Indiana Firebirds (2001-2004) |
| Iowa Barnstormers (1995-2000) |
| Kansas City Brigade (2006-2008) |
| Las Vegas Gladiators (2003-2007) |
| Las Vegas Sting (1994-1995) |
| Los Angeles Avengers (2000-2008) |
| Los Angeles Cobras (1988) |
| Maryland Commandos (1989) |
| Massachusetts Marauders (1994) |
| Memphis Pharaohs (1995-1996) |
| Miami Hooters (1993-1995) |
| Milwaukee Mustangs (1994-2001) |
| Minnesota Fighting Pike (1996) |
| Nashville Kats (1997-2001, 2005-2007) |
| New England Sea Wolves (1999-2000) |
| New England Steamrollers (1988) |
| New Jersey Gladiators (2001-2002) |
| New Jersey Red Dogs (1997-2000) |
| New Orleans Night (1991-1992) |
| New Orleans VooDoo (2004-2005, 2007-2008) |
| New York CityHawks (1997-1998) |
| New York Dragons (2001-20089) |
| New York Knights (1988) |
| Oklahoma Wranglers (2000-2001) |
| Orlando Predators (1991-2008) |
| Philadelphia Soul (2004-2008) |
| Pittsburgh Gladiators (1987-1990) |
| Portland Forest Dragons (1997-1999) |
| Sacramento Attack (1992) |
| San Antonio Force (1992) |
| San Jose SaberCats (1995-2008) |
| St Louis Stampede (1995-1996) |
| Tampa Bay Storm (1991-2009) |
| Texas Terror (1996-1997) |
| Toronto Phantoms (2001-2002) |
| Utah Blaze (2006-2008) |
| Washington Commandos (1987, 1990) |
There had been speculation for some time. The AFL had not selected a permanent replacement for longtime commissioner David Baker, who abruptly resigned two days before the ArenaBowl in July. The league also delayed the start of free agency, the release of next season's schedule and a dispersal draft to award players from the defunct New Orleans Voodoo.
On Wednesday December 10, an AFL statement said the 2009 season was not suspended "despite rumors and reports to the contrary." On Sunday December 15, the owners held a conference call and did an about face. Short on details, a press release the next day stated, "The Arena Football League Board of Directors will suspend the 2009 season subject to agreement and cooperation with the Arena Football League Players Association while the League works on developing a long-term plan to improve its economic model."
Few details have been released, but some information has emerged. It seems that there was a disagreement among owners about whether Platinum Equity, a private equity firm, should be brought in to help the league financially. There was also an unidentified source that claimed that ESPN would not televise a six-, seven-, or eight-team league. There was also some arm twisting to get the required two-thirds majority to cancel the season.
The first vote saw the board, consisting of all 16 franchise owners and a representative from AFL patent holder Gridiron Enterprises, vote 10-7 against playing. Since this was short of the needed majority, the league announced the season was not suspended. The second vote reportedly saw Orlando and Chicago switch sides and the 12-5 decision was enough to suspend the 2009 season. It appears that the owners from Columbus, Dallas and Philadelphia lead the charge to cancel the season, while Tampa Bay, Arizona, New York and San Jose were the biggest advocates of playing.
There were plenty of quotes about how this was the best decision and that the league would be back stronger than ever.
Acting Commissioner Ed Policy: "Every owner in the AFL is strongly committed to the League, the game, and, most importantly, the fans. Owners, however, recognize that, especially in light of the current unprecedented economic climate, the AFL, as a business enterprise, needs to be restructured if it is to continue to provide its unique brand of this affordable, fan-friendly sport. The AFL, its owners and its players remain committed to resuming play as soon as it is feasible."
Philadelphia Soul co-owner Jon Bon Jovi: "We realize we have the most fan- friendly, affordable and accessible sport anywhere. These are trying economic times. The revamping will ensure that the AFL continues to provide value to its fans and not only survives but thrives in the years to come."
Georgia Force owner Arthur Blank: "We support the decision to focus our energies on securing the long-term success of the Arena Football League."
Colorado Crush co-owner John Elway: "Although it is disappointing to suspend the 2009 season, the Arena Football League and its owners feel it is essential to reevaluate the current business model to ensure the livelihood of the AFL in the future."
Tampa Bay Storm head coach Tim Marcum was one of those who voiced strong opposition. "How can this be good for this league? How can taking a year off be good for any league? The USFL took a year off, too. And look what happened." Orlando Predators head coach Jay Gruden agreed, "I don't know many other leagues that have taken a break and come back."
It will be interesting to see what becomes of the Arena Football League. As is the case in a large percent of recent business struggles, many have cited mismanagement as a cause for a league that has been around 22 years, averages over 13,000 fans per game and saw the players association offer a substantial salary cap cut not to be profitable. The afl2, a slimmed down feeder league for the AFL, has not cancelled its season, so maybe a pared down AFL will return in 2010.
Tim Marcum put it simply, "We want to play We don't want this thing to go away."