Reports: AFL will cease operations

[slocoma]

Reports: AFL will cease operations
ESPN.com news services

The Arena Football League will soon announce that it is folding, multiple media outlets reported on Monday.

Arizona Rattlers owner Brett Bouchy said the league will also declare bankruptcy, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

"It's just unfortunate we're in this situation," Bouchy said, according to the newspaper. "Everyone knows myself and Arizona fought hard to avoid this day. The league was divided into two groups and factions. You had one group of committed owners who contributed capital and willing to do whatever it took to bring the league back in 2010 I have been in that group the entire time. Then there was another group that just wasn't willing to make the investment. We could never get a consensus."

Tampa Bay Storm owner Jim Borghesi posted a message on his Facebook page saying: "The AFL will be having a press conference to announce that the league will not be returning," according to the Albany Times-Union.

The league suspended play for the 2009 season in December. In March, players and management agreed in principle on a new collective bargaining agreement, and in April a business plan for the league was put together. But longtime commissioner David Baker stepped down in July, and a date to resume football operations was never forthcoming.

The New Orleans VooDoo had already folded in October, and the Los Angeles Avengers also ceased operations in April, leaving the league with 15 teams.

The AFL was formed in 1987. By the late 1990s, games were broadcast on ESPN, which owns a minority stake in the league.

[UnoBomber]

Such a shame. I never did get to see the Gladiators play. Indoor football is the new game in town. Does this mean the AF2 will cease as well?

[Gene]

Should help with attendance in our league. Its ashame though. I'll miss the Soul.

[slocoma]

At least we won the last championship ever.

[d'oh!]

Aug 4, 2009 8:23:47 GMT -5 slocoma said:

At least we won the last championship ever.

I don't know if that's good or bad.

On the other hand, it's very hard to "take time off" and come back in a venue like sports.

[The Picks Commissioner]

It wouldn't surprise me if AF2 becomes the new AFL.

[lionsroar]

yeah maybe those owners that we're willing to invest in the sport should look at what they still have right underneath them. Same game, same play, same everything!

They shouldn't just watch their roots die with the tree. Cut it back give the new growth some love and watch it flourish

[Legends2008]

Aug 4, 2009 8:15:21 GMT -5 Gene said:

Should help with attendance in our league.

Not necessarily. It's definitely a golden opportunity, for say, the Thunder, but for some of these teams, the distance may be too much to draw fans from AFL cities.

I wonder how many players will jump to other indoor leagues rather than simply retire or go to the UFL.

[Gene]

Aug 5, 2009 18:26:51 GMT -5 Legends2008 said:

Aug 4, 2009 8:15:21 GMT -5 Gene said:

Should help with attendance in our league.

Not necessarily. It's definitely a golden opportunity, for say, the Thunder, but for some of these teams, the distance may be too much to draw fans from AFL cities.

I wonder how many players will jump to other indoor leagues rather than simply retire or go to the UFL.

The Express have benefitted from the folding of the Soul. Attendance was up for sure this season. Philly is a good 50+ miles from Reading. Cant say it will help all teams but it should be a benefit especially if the player talent level improves from players trickling down from AF2.