The Alliance of American Football (AAF) was a professional American football league that operated for a brief period in 2019. Founded by Charlie Ebersol and Hall of Famer Bill Polian, the AAF aimed to revolutionize the way fans interact with football by creating a developmental league that would bridge the gap between the NFL and college football seasons[1][2]. The league featured eight centrally owned and operated teams, including the Arizona Hotshots, Atlanta Legends, Birmingham Iron, Memphis Express, Orlando Apollos, Salt Lake Stallions, San Antonio Commanders, and San Diego Fleet[5]. **History and Operations:** The AAF was launched on March 20, 2018, with a vision to provide a new business model in professional sports. Its inaugural season began on February 9, 2019, and was set to conclude with a championship game on April 27, 2019[3][4]. However, the league faced significant financial challenges and ultimately ceased operations midway through its first season[1]. **Key Achievements and Notable Aspects:** - **Innovative Rules:** The AAF introduced several unique rules, such as eliminating kickoffs to reduce injuries[4]. - **Player Benefits:** Players received three-year contracts worth $250,000, along with bonuses for performance and participation in post-football career programs[3]. - **Technology Integration:** The AAF developed an app that allowed fans to engage with the game in real-time, including betting features[1]. **Current Status:** The AAF is no longer operational. Despite its innovative approach, the league struggled financially and was unable to secure sufficient funding to continue beyond its first season[1]. The equipment and assets of the AAF were eventually sold to Alpha Entertainment, the parent company of the XFL[1]. Overall, the AAF's brief existence highlighted both the potential for innovative sports leagues and the challenges of sustaining them in a competitive market.
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A major sports industry move as Tom Dundon adds the Trail Blazers to his portfolio, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in sports ownership.