AFL Ceases Operations, Files For Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Protection

The AFL said that it is "ceasing operations immediately and has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection." Many "expected this outcome" after the league "shut down its six member clubs" in October. At that point, a $2.4M lawsuit filed against the league by an insurance carrier "caused the AFL to re-evaluate its business model." AFL Commissioner Randall Boe said that the league was "considering a touring league," similar to the Premier Lacrosse League, as a "way to save money." Ultimately though, what the AFL "needed was additional investors," and they "did not emerge" (Albany TIMES UNION, 11/28). The AFL had been "considering various scenarios to try to keep the league afloat." As part of the travel idea, teams "would practice at a central location, then play games" in Las Vegas and Atlantic City (PRESS OF ATLANTIC CITY, 12/1).