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.
The Gladiators will be communicating their plan for season ticket holders by the end of the week. Please stay tuned to www.clevelandgladiators.com for more information.