Its Official league cancels 2009 season again

[blanketman]

The 2009 year for the Afl is Done. Wow or maybe the reports are still fake like before ....who knows anymore.

[grimreaper]

This will be a sad day in indoor football. Maybe this will make some changes for the better, only time will tell.

[ml91]

The same thing happened nine years ago. The season was "canceled", then the Players' Association gave in to some of the owners' demands and the season was "un-canceled". More recently, the exact same thing happened in the National Lacrosse League one year ago. This is a negotiating tactic: the AFLPA gives in to what the AFL owners want or there is no season.

[Panthers14]

Arena League suspends operations for 2009
by Dennis Manoloff, Cleveland Plain-Dealer
Sunday December 14, 2008, 11:36 PM


The Arena Football League has canceled the 2009 season but plans to return in 2010, a league source said. An official announcement is expected Monday. The source requested anonymity, saying a six-figure fine looms for talking.

The AFL's board of directors voted via conference call late Sunday to shut down in 2009, the source said. The AFL has 16 teams, including the Gladiators, after New Orleans folded earlier this off-season. The Gladiators made their AFL debut in Cleveland last season after relocating from Las Vegas. They reached the National Conference Championship Game. They played their home games at The Q and drew well.

AFL interim Commissioner Ed Policy could not be reached. Gladiators owner Jim Ferraro could not be reached. Gladiators President Bernie Kosar and General Manager Mike Levy declined comment. The AFL has been in existence since 1987. Tim Marcum, coach of the Tampa Bay Storm, told The St. Petersburg Times this weekend that Tampa Bay, Arizona, New York, Orlando and San Jose were committed to playing the 2009 season.

The source said the league voted to shut down in 2009 because too many big-name owners or teams in big-name cities said they would not return in 2009. The source said the list of definite outs included the Dallas Desperados, defending ArenaBowl champion Philadelphia Soul, Colorado Crush, Georgia Force, Chicago Rush and Cleveland. "We couldn't be taken seriously if we lost too many teams, especially in big markets," the source said. "That's what was going to happen. We needed to shut down and reorganize." The source said the deal-breaker was ESPN saying it would not televise a six-, seven- or eight-team league.

The source said owners of franchises that wanted out, including Jerry Jones (Dallas) and Arthur Blank (Georgia), expressed a desire to return in 2010 under a new league business model. "The league and the teams could not continue on their current financial paths," the source said. "The economy is one reason why we're going through hard times, but it's not the only reason. We need time to reconfigure everything so we can come back stronger than ever -- and we will."

Last Wednesday, the board voted not to suspend the season -- but more teams wanted to shut it down than wanted to play in 2009. Marcum said the vote was 10 against playing, seven for. Since Wednesday, Marcum said, Chicago had switched sides and went against, making it 11-6, if all votes held. After Tampa Bay, Arizona, New York, Orlando and San Jose, the sixth vote presumably came from Gridiron Enterprises, which holds the patent for the AFL and has a seat on the board. Evidently, enough of the holdouts were convinced during the conference call Sunday night that the 2009 season needed to be canceled. It is not known whether a two-thirds or three-fourths majority was required to make it happen.

Some AFL players, including two contacted by The Plain Dealer, said they doubted the league would come back in 2010 if 2009 was scrapped. The source strongly disagreed.
"We could be looking at a fantastic league if we do it right," the source said. "The owners want the AFL to be successful. The ones who voted against were not looking for an easy way out." The source said possible expansion teams in 2010 include Pittsburgh, Boston and Washington, D.C.

[nobby1979]

6 figure fine for talking, huh? I guess thats one way to get the money needed.

[Bruiser]

"We couldn't be taken seriously if we lost too many teams, especially in big markets," the source said.
The funny thing is what makes the source think anyone took them seriously in the first place?

This time I dont think playing a 2009 season hinges on player concessions - unless they agree to be paid on par with the "lesser" leagues. I believe the owners want to break the CBA and start fresh like they stated. AFL owners see that people will go to watch $200/game talent and still have fun.

[grimreaper]

it would be intresting to see what some of these players do, do they go play for less money in another league, take a year off or do you see more teams start up in other leagues because of this.

[chardale]

you will start to see players showing up on A2 rosters and other league teams close to where they live, by the end of the week. Wait till you see where Sippio is leaning towards playing!!!!!!

[Caballo Diablo]

Here's the official statement released by the league today.
.................................................. .............
http://www.arenafootball.com/ViewArticle.dbml?&ATCLID=3633481&DB_OEM_ID=3500

AFL suspends 2009 season
Courtesy: Arena Football League
Release: 12/15/2008

NEW YORK -- 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.

“Every owner in the AFL is strongly committed to the League, the game, and, most importantly, the fans,” said Acting Commissioner ED POLICY. “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 Board of Directors conducted a meeting via conference call Sunday night and voted in favor of a motion to suspend the 2009 season. Columbus Destroyers co-owner and vice chairman of the AFL Executive Committee JIM RENACCI was asked by the Board of Directors to spearhead the restructuring process.

“Ownership truly appreciates Acting Commissioner Policy’s steady hand and stewardship in what has been a challenging time for the AFL,” said Renacci. “Our owners will work in conjunction with Policy to develop a plan that ensures the future of the AFL.”

“We, the owners of the Arena Football League, realize we have the most fan-friendly, affordable and accessible sport anywhere,” said JON BON JOVI, co-owner of the ArenaBowl champion Philadelphia Soul. “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.”

“Our involvement with the Arena Football League was always geared toward promoting football on a year-round basis,” said Dallas Desperados owner JERRY JONES. “Our experience with the Desperados has accomplished those goals and has been very positive. As we move forward we will explore all of the options that are available in regard to the future of the AFL and the Desperados.”

After 22 seasons, the second-longest tenure of any U.S. pro football league, the decision to suspend the 2009 season was not made lightly. AFL ownership has conducted multiple meetings over the past several weeks, discussed numerous options and concluded that this decision is in the best interests of the 16-team AFL and its fans.

“As a four-year owner of the Georgia Force, I have enjoyed our affiliation with Arena Football. In addition, our club is very proud of its leadership position in the league in many areas on and off the field,” said Georgia Force owner ARTHUR BLANK. “We want that to continue for our fans, so we support the decision to focus our energies on securing the long-term success of the Arena Football League.”

“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,” said JOHN ELWAY, Co-Owner, CEO Colorado Crush.

“We remain grateful to the greatest fans in the world for their avidity and their patience. It is with them in mind that the AFL, its owners and its players remain committed to resuming play as soon as it is feasible,” concluded Policy.

[preeths]

Interesting that every quote in the AFL release is from the faction of owners that was against playing from the beginning.

[SignGuyDino]

The problems that affected the AFL have been going on for years. Mainly with the NFL owners.

I don't believe a single one of them. Pure bull.

But I'm most disappointed in the union. What bribe did they accept to agree with this? 30 peices of silver? No way I would have ever voted to end my own job. I would have made them lock me out or fire me. Now they have NO leverage IF the AFL returned at all.


This is good for af2 MAYBE for one season, but bad for all of indoor football longterm.

[Caballo Diablo]

Now they have NO leverage IF the AFL returned at all.
It wouldn't matter, the AFLPA has no choice.
The entire CBA has to be renegotiated and the salaries and benefits deeply slashed. Anyone that doesn't want to accept that fact will just have to give up playing in the league.

Once again I ask, is there any Indoor league out there that can sustain itself paying a $2 mil salary cap? This isn't about what the players are worth, it's about the cost of doing business vs revenue you can bring in. Even if they cut expenses (including salary) by 50 to 75% there's thousands of guys still willing to play, you see it all the time in the af2 and Indoor leagues where they get $200/$250 per game.

[SignGuyDino]

If the franchise is supposedly worth $20 million each, they can afford the salary cap.

No, I'd vote no if I was in the union out of principle.

And where IS Baker in all of this? Brazil??

[preeths]

Baker resigned prior to the last ArenaBowl. These franchises have never been worth $20 million. That's an artificial value thrown out to make the current AFL owners feel good about themselves. Every team in the league has been losing money hand over fist for years.

[exit322]

Stupidity seems to run rampant in the 50-yard game.

Didn't hockey have some sort of epiphany at the AA and AAA levels 15 years ago? Looks like wall-to-wall football needs one of those in a big way, too.

[nksports]

Stupidity seems to run rampant in the 50-yard game.

Didn't hockey have some sort of epiphany at the AA and AAA levels 15 years ago? Looks like wall-to-wall football needs one of those in a big way, too.

The old IHL had trouble with multimillion $$$ payrolls.

[SignGuyDino]

Baker resigned prior to the last ArenaBowl. These franchises have never been worth $20 million. That's an artificial value thrown out to make the current AFL owners feel good about themselves. Every team in the league has been losing money hand over fist for years.

Wonder what the tax write-off will be? Certainly not $20 million.

I still wonder if anyone has Baker's Brazilian phone number??

[chardale]

Here's the official statement released by the league today.
.................................................. .............
http://www.arenafootball.com/ViewArticle.dbml?&ATCLID=3633481&DB_OEM_ID=3500

AFL suspends 2009 season
Courtesy: Arena Football League
Release: 12/15/2008

NEW YORK -- 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.

“Every owner in the AFL is strongly committed to the League, the game, and, most importantly, the fans,” said Acting Commissioner ED POLICY. “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 Board of Directors conducted a meeting via conference call Sunday night and voted in favor of a motion to suspend the 2009 season. Columbus Destroyers co-owner and vice chairman of the AFL Executive Committee JIM RENACCI was asked by the Board of Directors to spearhead the restructuring process.

“Ownership truly appreciates Acting Commissioner Policy’s steady hand and stewardship in what has been a challenging time for the AFL,” said Renacci. “Our owners will work in conjunction with Policy to develop a plan that ensures the future of the AFL.”

“We, the owners of the Arena Football League, realize we have the most fan-friendly, affordable and accessible sport anywhere,” said JON BON JOVI, co-owner of the ArenaBowl champion Philadelphia Soul. “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.”

“Our involvement with the Arena Football League was always geared toward promoting football on a year-round basis,” said Dallas Desperados owner JERRY JONES. “Our experience with the Desperados has accomplished those goals and has been very positive. As we move forward we will explore all of the options that are available in regard to the future of the AFL and the Desperados.”

After 22 seasons, the second-longest tenure of any U.S. pro football league, the decision to suspend the 2009 season was not made lightly. AFL ownership has conducted multiple meetings over the past several weeks, discussed numerous options and concluded that this decision is in the best interests of the 16-team AFL and its fans.

“As a four-year owner of the Georgia Force, I have enjoyed our affiliation with Arena Football. In addition, our club is very proud of its leadership position in the league in many areas on and off the field,” said Georgia Force owner ARTHUR BLANK. “We want that to continue for our fans, so we support the decision to focus our energies on securing the long-term success of the Arena Football League.”

“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,” said JOHN ELWAY, Co-Owner, CEO Colorado Crush.

“We remain grateful to the greatest fans in the world for their avidity and their patience. It is with them in mind that the AFL, its owners and its players remain committed to resuming play as soon as it is feasible,” concluded Policy.

“Our involvement with the Arena Football League was always geared toward promoting football on a year-round basis,” said Dallas Desperados owner JERRY JONES. “Our experience with the Desperados has accomplished those goals and has been very positive. As we move forward we will explore all of the options that are available in regard to the future of the AFL and the Desperados.” Can anyone read between the lines is this part, Dallas was one of the one's wanting to shut down a while back. If the LEAGUE does play in 2010, by reading this JJ will not be owning a team there in Dallas, and it's not that ARENA players can't sign with A2 teams, it's any player currently under contract with their present team can't sign, Free agents can, and the reason behind this is that A2 doesn't want the Players Union to go there also.

[LZakow]

Listen. Why all the hand-wringing? This was meant to be. There needs to be a shakeout in sports much like the auto industry or any other industry. But there has to be a faliure of one or two teams in the big 4 (nhl, nba, nfl, mlb) to get people to realize these times no one has money and as a fan are you going to fork out $50-$100 a seat for a Jets game+parking+concessions or go to the corner tavern to watch the game for a couple of cold ones?

As with most things, stupidity killed this league. Stupidity also killed every other possible viable league. It doomed NFL Europe (or Europa - take your pick).

Tell me a year in which there was franchise stability? We've had teams in every major city save Baltimore, Birmingham, Boston, Oakland, San Fransisco, Seattle and San Diego (and no AF2 doesn't count). Was it Portland to Nashville or Nashville to Portland? Nashville to Georgia. New Jersey to Vegas to Cleveland. NY to CT to Toronto. Along the way we've had Austin, Aneheim, Buffalo, Carolina, Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Connecticut, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Memphis, Miami, Minnesota, New England, New York, New Orleans, Oklahoma, Pittsburgh, San Antonio, St. Louis, Texas, Washington and a few others I forget. Franchise values? More like a ponzi scheme.

In order for the league to work, concentrate on 8-10 core cities (NY, Chicago, Los Angeles, Tampa, Orlando, San Jose, Utah, Grand Rapids, Philadelphia and Dallas) and work at shoring them up. Then have each owner post a letter of credit which covers the team for two (not one) two years. Work with your suppliers/advertisers to become equity partners in the league. That way you build together. Arenas need to relaize having eight dates is better than being dark for those eight. Player taking cuts or not, that isn't going to help.

But keep in mind out of sight, out of mind. The AFL isn't coming back.

Arrogance killed the XFL. Blindness NFL E and now stupidity and greed the Arena League.

[skipster]

It was Memphis to Portland to Oklahoma City to oblivion to answer your question. Don't forget Albany to Indianapolis to oblivion and Des Moines to New York. You can add Cincinnati, Sacramento, Providence, Ft. Worth, West Palm Beach, Worcester and Raleigh to the list of failed cities too. Still it was fun while it lasted. I will miss it.

[Independent]

The Desperados are have all of their equipment up for sale.

[SignGuyDino]

What? No, it can't be. Jerry Jones PROMISED they were returning in 2010, so no need to sell anything.


Uh-huh, yeah, what we thought...

[Coach C]

Are they really selling their equipment? Please post a link to this or are you just joking? Wow this was a good opportunity for the Frisco Thunder to pick up fans and maybe some sponsors, but it looks like the Thunder will not be playing this year either.

I guess Semi Pro is the only football in Dallas in the Spring now. I think I am beginning to like it better anyway because these guys just love the game.

[dmbishop]

We've had teams in every major city save Baltimore, Birmingham, Boston, Oakland, San Fransisco, Seattle and San Diego (and no AF2 doesn't count).

You can actually scratch 2 cities off of that list:

Maryland Commandoes (1989)
Boston Steamrollers (1988 )
Massachusetts Marauders (1994)

Also, San Fran was once listed as an expansion franchise (never did know what happened there), and there was a team in Sacramento called the Attack back in 1992, which is only 90 miles from the bay area.

Dave

[preeths]

Commandoes - I believe played at Landover, may have had another home one year
Steamrollers - I think they were based in Providence
Marauders - played in Worcester if memory serves

[Caballo Diablo]

I guess Semi Pro is the only football in Dallas in the Spring now.
Now?
A Semi-Pro football team is all they've had in the fall for at least the past 12 years!

[LZakow]

You know, I feel really bad for the players. I felt really bad for the players with NFL Europe too. And I feel bad for all the people who shared the passion for the league as well as the workers just as I felt about the folks with NFL E. Just as I experienced with my friends overseas in places like Italy and Germany and Holland, there is a sorrow. Many of my friends in places like Scotland and Germany never went back to football. I can't see how fans, unless absolutely committed and diehard, will return. Unlike baseball, where fans have a short memory (and to a degree hockey too), the AFL was a niche player at best. Unless you have a history like the Chicago Cubs, forget about fans coming back. I am sure, if the owners really, really wanted to, they could find a way to play. But I think greed played a major role in this decision. How else to explain why the VooDoo folded? The VooDoo had solid attendance figures. You also have to ask yourself what the owners wanted, how they sold their product, who they could have partnered with. Many in Europe felt the NFL felt way, way short of working/partnering with native companies like Falke for goods and services. I was told by one GM that Reebok fell way short in quality and was way too pricey for common folks to buy team gear. Hence merchandise sales suffered - a lot.

Think of the roster of AFL cities from year 1 on: Albany, Anaheim, Atlanta, Austin, Buffalo, Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Des Moines, Detroit, Ft. Worth, Grand Rapids, Hartford, Houston, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Memphis, Miami, Minnesota, Milwaukee, Nashville, New Haven, New Orleans, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma City, Orlando, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Portland, Providence, Raleigh, Sacramento, St. Louis, San Jose, San Antonio, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Washington, Worcester. That's 45 cities. 45! Not one league in this era, save possibly for the early NFL, can boast that ineptitude. New York has had three separate teams; Detroit two; Chicago two. Denver two; etc. No business, let alone a league can survive that much change over a short span of years. Also there is too much of sport. And fans don't have the money for a niche sport.

Its over so get used to it. As for the owners and their statements, take it with a grain of salt. I once talked to Arthur Blank, owner of the Falcons at the World Bowl one year. He surveyed a nearly packed house in Rheinstadion and said he was impressed. The next day in USA Today he said he preferred the Arena League as an alternative.

As I said, if these dudes come back, more power to them. But game, set, match, they lost their fan base.

[dmbishop]

Commandoes - I believe played at Landover, may have had another home one year
Steamrollers - I think they were based in Providence
Marauders - played in Worcester if memory serves

Well that's what I get for not fact-checking properly :)
Although, Worcester is basically in the Boston market (only 10 miles farther away than Foxborough).

Dave

[LZakow]

So what will Fixed, I mean Faux, I mean Fox Sports going to do for filler programming? Besdies, I can't see AF2 hanging around much longer either. Here's a suggestion: the eight or so teams that want to play go down to AF2 level - that way they are covered by AF2 by-laws.

[Houston Caldwell]

You know, I feel really bad for the players. I felt really bad for the players with NFL Europe too. And I feel bad for all the people who shared the passion for the league as well as the workers just as I felt about the folks with NFL E. Just as I experienced with my friends overseas in places like Italy and Germany and Holland, there is a sorrow. Many of my friends in places like Scotland and Germany never went back to football. I can't see how fans, unless absolutely committed and diehard, will return. Unlike baseball, where fans have a short memory (and to a degree hockey too), the AFL was a niche player at best. Unless you have a history like the Chicago Cubs, forget about fans coming back. I am sure, if the owners really, really wanted to, they could find a way to play. But I think greed played a major role in this decision. How else to explain why the VooDoo folded? The VooDoo had solid attendance figures. You also have to ask yourself what the owners wanted, how they sold their product, who they could have partnered with. Many in Europe felt the NFL felt way, way short of working/partnering with native companies like Falke for goods and services. I was told by one GM that Reebok fell way short in quality and was way too pricey for common folks to buy team gear. Hence merchandise sales suffered - a lot.

Think of the roster of AFL cities from year 1 on: Albany, Anaheim, Atlanta, Austin, Buffalo, Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Des Moines, Detroit, Ft. Worth, Grand Rapids, Hartford, Houston, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Memphis, Miami, Minnesota, Milwaukee, Nashville, New Haven, New Orleans, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma City, Orlando, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Portland, Providence, Raleigh, Sacramento, St. Louis, San Jose, San Antonio, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Washington, Worcester. That's 45 cities. 45! Not one league in this era, save possibly for the early NFL, can boast that ineptitude. New York has had three separate teams; Detroit two; Chicago two. Denver two; etc. No business, let alone a league can survive that much change over a short span of years. Also there is too much of sport. And fans don't have the money for a niche sport.

Its over so get used to it. As for the owners and their statements, take it with a grain of salt. I once talked to Arthur Blank, owner of the Falcons at the World Bowl one year. He surveyed a nearly packed house in Rheinstadion and said he was impressed. The next day in USA Today he said he preferred the Arena League as an alternative.

As I said, if these dudes come back, more power to them. But game, set, match, they lost their fan base.

Actually, Nashville had 2 separate teams------- it's just that both of them were named the Kats; the first one was owned by an ownership group headed by Mark Bloom (this team was sold, I believe, to Blank, who moved the team to Atlanta and renamed it the Georgia Force); Titan owner Bud Adams was the majority owner of the second one (with singer Tim McGraw and I believe, Bloom as minority owners).

[ml91]

Steamrollers - I think they were based in Providence
Marauders - played in Worcester if memory serves
The above statements are correct. I had season tickets for both of these teams. The Providence team was named the New England Steamrollers.

[LZakow]

Here is a roster of teams that have had multiple AFL teams (AF2 is included here).

Los Angeles (Cobras, Avengers), Nashville (Kats, Kats [owned by Bud Adams]), New York (Knights, CityHawks, Dragons), Iowa (Barnstormers, Barnstormers AF2), Cincinnati (Rockers, Swarm - AF2), Memphis (Pharoes, Explorers - AF2), Milwaukee (Mustangs, Iron - AF2), Dallas (texans, Desperados), Chicago (Bruisers, Rush), Detroit (Drive, Fury), New Orleans (Night, VooDoo), Albany (Firebirds, Conquest now Firebirds - AF2), Denver (Dynamite, Crush), Cleveland (Bolts, Gladiators), Columbus (Bolts, Destroyers), Las Vegas (Sting, Gladiators) and this isn't including ownership changes which rebranded the franchise like the Texas Terror to the Houston Thunderbears.

When franchises flip this easily, you know you are in trouble. Only the reconstituted ABA can boast such ineptitude with franchises.

[Sykotyk]

Don't forget the Jungle Kats in Cincinnati.

Los Angeles had the Cobras and Avengers.

You could even throw in Fort Worth into the Dallas pot as well as NJ into NY (if you're counting MSG and Nassau, might as well count across the river the other way).

Sykotyk

[Caballo Diablo]

Both of the Nashville Kats franchise weren't owned by Bud Adams, only the second one.

Austin had the AFL Wranglers for 4 years and then the af2 Wranglers for 1 year (same majority owner). They haven't officially folded, but have ceased operations for the 2009 season. Who knows what will happen after that.

Let's stroll down memory lane;
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AFL Historical Teams List
Albany Firebirds .................1990-2000
Anaheim Piranhas ...............1996-1997
Arizona Rattlers .................1992-2009
Austin Wranglers ................2004-2007
Buffalo Destroyers ..............1999-2003
Carolina Cobras ..................2000-2004
Charlotte Rage ...................1992-1996
Chicago Bruisers .................1987-1989
Chicago Rush .....................2001-2009
Cincinnati Rockers ...............1992-1993
Cleveland Gladiators ............2008-2009
Cleveland Thunderbolts ........1992-1994
Colorado Crush ...................2003-2009
Columbus Destroyers ...........2004-2009
Columbus Thunderbolts ........1991
Connecticut Coyotes ...........1995-1996
Dallas Desperados ...............2002-2009
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 .....................2002-2009
Grand Rapids Rampage .........1998-2009
Houston ThunderBears .........1998-2001
Indiana Firebirds .................2001-2004
Iowa Barnstormers ..............1995-2000
Kansas City Brigade ............2006-2009
Las Vegas Gladiators ...........2003-2007
Las Vegas Sting .................1994-1995
Los Angeles Avengers .........2000-2009
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
Nashville Kats ...................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 .............2001-2009
New York Knights ..............1988
Oklahoma Wranglers ...........2000-2001
Orlando Predators ..............1991-2009
Philadelphia Soul ................2004-2009
Pittsburgh Gladiators ..........1987-1990
Portland Forest Dragons .....1997-1999
Sacramento Attack ...........1992
San Antonio Force ............1992
San Jose SaberCats ..........1995-2009
St Louis Stampede ............1995-1996
Tampa Bay Storm .............1991-2009
Texas Terror ....................1996-1997
Toronto Phantoms ............2001-2002
Utah Blaze ......................2006-2009
Washington Commandos ....1987, 1990

AFL Franchise Chart:
http://www.arenafan.com/history/?page=franchart&league=1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

af2 Historical Teams List
Alabama Steeldogs ....................2000-2007
Albany Conquest .......................2002-2008
Albany Firebirds ........................2009
Albuquerque af2
Amarillo Dusters ........................2005-2009
Arkansas Twisters .....................2000-2009
Augusta Stallions ......................2000-2002
Austin Wranglers .......................2008
Bakersfield Blitz .........................2002-2003
Bakersfield Blitz .........................2004-2007
Baton Rouge Blaze .....................2001
Boise Burn ................................2007-2009
Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings ...2001-2009
Cape Fear Wildcats ....................2002-2004
Carolina Rhinos ..........................2000-2002
Central Valley Coyotes ................2004-2009
Charleston Swamp Foxes .............2000-2003
Cincinnati Jungle Kats .................2007
Cincinnati Swarm .......................2003
Columbus Wardogs .....................2001-2004
Corpus Christi Sharks ..................2007-2009
Daytona Beach Thunderbirds ........2008
Everett Hawks ...........................2006-2007
Florida Firecats ..........................2001-2009
Fort Wayne Fusion .....................2007
Fresno Frenzy ...........................2002
Green Bay Blizzard .....................2003-2009
Greensboro Prowlers ...................2000-2003
Hawaiian Islanders .....................2002-2004
Iowa Barnstormers .....................2001, 2008-2009
Jacksonville Tomcats ..................2000-2002
Kentucky Horsemen ...................2008-2009
Lafayette Roughnecks ................2001
Laredo Law ..............................2004
Laredo Lobos ............................2007
Lincoln Lightning .......................2001
Louisville Fire ...........................2001-2008
Lubbock Renegades ..................2007-2008
Macon Knights .........................2001-2006
Mahoning Valley Thunder ...........2007-2009
Manchester Wolves ..................2004-2009
Memphis Xplorers .....................2001-2006
Milwaukee Iron ........................2009
Mobile Wizards ........................2002
Mohegan Wolves .....................2002-2003
New Haven Ninjas ...................2002
Norfolk Nighthawks ..................2000-2003
Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz ........2004-2009
Pensacola Barracudas ...............2000-2002
Peoria Pirates .........................2001-2004, 2008-2009
Quad City Steamwheelers .........2000-2009
Richmond Speed .....................2000-2003
Rio Grande Valley Dorados ........2004-2009
Roanoke Steam ......................2000-2002
Rochester Brigade ...................2001-2003
San Diego Riptide ....................2002-2005
South Georgia Wildcats ............2005-2009
Spokane Shock ......................2006-2009
Stockton Lightning .................2006-2009
Tallahassee Thunder ...............2000-2002
Tennessee Valley Vipers ..........2000-2004, 2006-2009
Texas Copperheads ................2007-2008
Toledo Bullfrogs
Tri-Cities Fever .....................2007-2009
Tulsa Talons .........................2000-2009
Wichita Stealth .....................2001-2004
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers 2002-2009

af2 Franchise Chart:
http://www.arenafan.com/history/?page=franchart&league=2

[ml91]

Here is a roster of teams that have had multiple AFL teams (AF2 is included here).
Hartford falls into this category also, being the former home of the Connecticut Coyotes and the New England Sea Wolves.