The flash-in-the-pan that was the Alliance of American Football may have suspended operations last week, but the ill-fated league’s legal challenges may just be beginning.
The flash-in-the-pan that was the Alliance of American Football may have suspended operations last week, but the ill-fated league’s legal challenges may just be beginning.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, the AAF and its Orlando-based franchise the Orlando Apollos owe the University of Central Florida more than $1 million in future rent payments. The Alliance had agreed to a three-year lease for the Apollos to play 15 total home games at UCF’s Spectrum Stadium at a cost of $75,000-per-game. However, the Apollos only played three of those games before the AAF ceased operations just eight games into its inaugural season.
Meanwhile, UCF has been left holding the bag for out-of-pocket expenses for vendors and police to the tune of about $100,000 — and they’re not alone. CBS Sports reports that Arizona State’s Sun Devil Stadium had outstanding debt owed by the AAF’s Arizona Hotshots.
Apart from the venues, vendors, too are feeling stiffed by the failed league.
One vendor reportedly told the Sentinel that they are owed $4,500 for design services completed months ago, and that they’re looking to join with other stiffed vendors to find a way to get paid.
In a statement announcing the decision, AAF co-founder Bill Polian said to ESPN:
“I am extremely disappointed to learn Tom Dundon has decided to suspend all football operations of the Alliance of American Football. When Mr. Dundon took over, it was the belief of my co-founder, Charlie Ebersol, and myself that we would finish the season, pay our creditors, and make the necessary adjustments to move forward in a manner that made economic sense for all.
The momentum generated by our players, coaches and football staff had us well positioned for future success. Regrettably, we will not have that opportunity.”
