Friday, May 15, 2026
Law

Carolina Hurricanes Owner Sued for Pro Football League’s Demise

  • The AAF ceased operations in April 2019 after filing for bankruptcy.
  • At one point, the startup league was unable to make $5 million worth of first-week player payments.
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The now-defunct Alliance of American Football continues to be dogged by legal disputes. 

Former AAF owner Tom Dundon — who also owns the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes — has been sued for at least $184 million by the U.S. trustee overseeing the startup league’s bankruptcy.

The AAF ceased operations in April 2019 after filing for bankruptcy — at one point, it was unable to make $5 million worth of first-week player payments. 

The trustee alleges Dundon shuttered the league despite financial alternatives.  

  • In response to the suit, Dundon has sued Charlie Ebersol, the AAF’s founder, for $70 million.
  • Dundon alleges that he was misled by Ebersol about the AAF’s finances.
  • The Hurricanes owner pledged to invest $250 million in the AAF. 

The complaint filed by the trustee also revealed that the NFL had agreed to a deal with the AAF in exchange for warrants worth 15% of the shuttered league. 

Controversial Investor 

In April, Reginald Fowler — a former investor in the AAF and Minnesota Vikingspleaded guilty to charges related to a $600 million cryptocurrency scheme in a Manhattan federal court. 

Prosecutors alleged that Fowler — who attempted to buy a stake in the AAF using illegally obtained funds — facilitated unregulated transactions on behalf of crypto exchanges.

Fowler originally committed $170 million to the AAF in 2019 and later invested $28 million before it ceased operations, per Action Network.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Lawmakers Want Private Equity Out of Youth Sports

Several Democrats have proposed legislation to get PE out of youth sports.
Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur Is Facing a Billion-Dollar Disaster

A seemingly improbable drop to England’s second tier is a tangible possibility.
November 28, 2021; Santa Clara, California, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) catches a touchdown against San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga (29) during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium.

Former NFL Pro Adam Thielen Is Betting on the Youth Sports Boom

“We want to help athletes get better wherever they’re at.”
Mar 13, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) high-fives guard Jrue Holiday (5) while entering the line up to play against the Utah Jazz at Moda Center.
exclusive

Tom Dundon’s Group Buying 80% of Blazers in Deal’s First Phase

Dundon is set to take control of the team before April.

Featured Today

NFL Rivalries Are Made on the Field, Mocked in Schedule Release Videos

Every year, teams find new ways to one-up themselves (and their rivals).
Bart Swings/Falyn Fonoimoana/Avery Poppinga
May 14, 2026

OnlyFans Is Paying Pro Athletes What Their Sports Won’t

The adult-content platform is a reliable income source for niche athletes.
May 13, 2026

How Sports Graphic Designers Are Grappling With the Rise of AI Art

The release of ChatGPT 2.0 Images sparked a conversation among sports designers.
May 12, 2026

Collectible Cups Are Sending Sports Fans Into a Frenzy

The drink is secondary to the wild vessel it comes in.

Tennis Lawsuit Sparks Courtroom Fight Over Grand Slam Credentials

Wimbledon and the French Open denied credentials to the PTPA.
Mar 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Bowlero has rebranded itself as Lucky Strike. It is in the same location new to the mall on McFarland Blvd.
May 7, 2026

Lawsuit Claims Lucky Strike Built Bowling Monopoly

The company has allegedly caused bowling prices to triple in some cases.
May 11, 2026

NBA Cut Out Middleman From Lucrative Emirates Deal: Lawsuit

The NBA denies it had an agreement with Paul Edalat.
Sponsored

What Is It Like to Run the Knicks?

Dave Checketts on his time running the Knicks & Jazz, Jordan war stories, and his investment strategy across major sports leagues.
Oct 8, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Professional boxer Floyd Mayweather attends the game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Phoenix Mercury for game three of the 2025 WNBA Finals at PHX Arena.
May 6, 2026

Floyd Mayweather Jr. Calls Off $100M Legal Fight With Business Insider

The boxer voluntarily dismissed his lawsuit.
April 30, 2026

Puma Denies Its Carbon-Plated Shoes Cause Injuries After Lawsuit

The company pushed back on claims that its shoes increased injury risk.
April 28, 2026

Damon Jones Admits He Sold LeBron Injury Information to Gamblers

Jones also pleaded guilty Tuesday in the rigged poker case.
April 28, 2026

Star Runner Says ‘Defective’ Puma Shoes Ruined Her Career

A series of foot surgeries prematurely ended her career.