Tuesday October 3, 2023

A Reboot: Arena Football League Set for 2024 Revival

  • F1 Sports & Entertainment, known as Force1, bought league in January 2022.
  • First Black commissioner to lead professional sports league in the U.S.
Sports Copyright 2007 – John David Mercer
Front Office Sports Today

NBC Could Get In On College Football Playoffs

NBC is exploring broadcasting a slice of the expanded CFP in 2026.
Listen Now
October 3, 2023 | Podcast
Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

After filing for bankruptcy and ceasing operations in 2019, the Arena Football League is officially making its return under new leadership and will begin to play in the summer of 2024.

F1 Sports & Entertainment — which is also known as Force1 and has no apparent relation to the auto racing competition of the same name — bought the league in January 2022 and has been working on relaunching a league that was first created in 1986. The revamped AFL’s board of directors will include Chairman Chris Chetty, President Anthony Rossi and President of Operations Shan Singh.

“Our objective when we acquired the AFL was to bring back a storied brand that deserved to be revived and showcased again, globally,” Rossi said in a statement. “We envisioned executing on the old saying ‘Bigger and Better,’ but this time, we want to incorporate the components of a modern-day business – streaming, betting, technology, virtual reality, and immerse fan engagement mixed with good old-fashioned iron-man football.”

The league has already made history by appointing Lee A. Hutton III as commissioner — making him the first known Black commissioner of an American professional sports league. 

Hutton is the founder and managing partner of his own law firm in Minneapolis and has worked on many high-profile cases in the sports world, including contract negotiations, NFL concussion litigation, and NCAA NIL legal cases.

“The Arena Football League brand has always sat at the promontory of indoor football by offering gridiron entertainment, fast action, and iron tough athletes in conjunction with delivering a family fun fan experience that uniquely engages the pig skin enthusiast,” said Hutton.

Teams and specifics of the 2024 schedule have yet to be announced.

The AFL will compete for traction in a suddenly crowded summer football market: This summer, the USFL will play the second season of its own reboot, while the XFL will play the inaugural games of its third attempt.

Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

A detailed view of some NFL footballs before the Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars game at EverBank Stadium.

New NFL Policy Toughens on Game Fixing, Betting on Own Team

However, the league is also lightening up on lesser violations.
Mississippi tackle Michael Oher poses with his family after being selected as the number 23 overall pick to the Baltimore Ravens in the 2009 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

Judge Ends Michael Oher’s Conservatorship with Tuohy Family

Oher claims the Tuohys misrepresented their legal relationship to him.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce on field after the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

Taylor Swift Shaking Up Travis Kelce, Chiefs Prop Betting Market

Sportsbooks are capitalizing with Taylor Swift-themed prop bets.
Taylor Swift reacts while sitting next to Donna Kelce watching the Kansas City Chiefs vs Chicago Bears game during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

Taylor Swift Is Affecting The NFL, Chiefs Ticket Markets

Swift will visit her second NFL stadium in as many weeks.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

NBC Could Get In On College Football Playoffs

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

Football analyst and PFF investor Chris Collinsworth talks to man in front of computers

Cris Collinsworth 'Lost a Lot of Sleep' Over Pro Football Focus Leadership Issues

New book details why it’s no longer a “happy place to work.”
NBC is interested in media rights to the expanded College Football Playoff.
exclusive
October 2, 2023

NBC Is Interested in Expanded College Football Playoff Media Rights

NBC is one of the networks pitching the CFP, a source confirmed.
October 2, 2023

MLB Attendance Surges 70 Million, Tops League Projections

League posts best year-over-year increase at the gate since 1993
Levi's Stadium
October 2, 2023

49ers Study Shows Benefits of Public-Private Stadium Deals

Levi’s Stadium has generated more than $2 billion per new study.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Chicago Cubs
Chicago
Fanatics
New York
Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group, Inc.
USA - Multiple Locations

LPGA Seeking Major Capital Raise Amid Golf Craze

The top women's golf tour is looking for new financial backing.
October 2, 2023

Big-Dollar Clubs Home For MLB Playoffs, But Money Still Matters

Postseason field includes set of lower-budget upstarts
Michael Andretti
October 2, 2023

Andretti Clears Key Hurdle To Launch Formula 1 Team

The American racing figure is one step closer to an F1 team.
Golf bag leaning on PGA Tour signage
October 1, 2023

Arctos Sports Partners Join Race To Invest In PGA Tour

New investor interest comes amid negotiations with Saudi Arabia.
September 29, 2023

Ryder Cup’s Future Hanging In The Balance Amid Saudi Disruption

An unexpected change could be coming to the Ryder Cup.
September 28, 2023

Endeavor, Fenway Sports Could Offer Competition to PGA Tour’s Saudi Deal

U.S. investors are reportedly wanting to get involved with the Tour.
September 27, 2023

Lillard And Giannis Pairing Could Be Big For The NBA, Too

Bucks to be featured on national TV 19 times this season
September 27, 2023

NHL Backs Unified Women’s League, Though Without Money

Leagues working together on numerous operational components