The Arena Football League, which previously called off its 2009 season, has now ceased operations indefinitely, according to a one-paragraph statement issued to league teams on August 4.
Despite having recently reached a new agreement with its players, in the statement the AFLs board said, “there are no other viable options available to the league right now.” (Via the Associated Press)
Arizona Rattlers owner Brett Bouchy told the Orlando Sentinel that the league will also declare bankruptcy. Despite this, Richard Berthelson of the NFL Players Association told the Associated Press that the league still faces many legal issues, stemming from the fact that most players and coaches were not paid salaries or roster bonuses in 2009, and are looking to recoup that money.
Problems for the league came after longtime commissioner David Baker resigned in July 2008. The league canceled its 2009 season in December in order to improve its business model.
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.
