The Alliance of American Football (AAF) will suspend all football operations on Tuesday, according to Darren Rovell of Action Network (on Twitter). New majority owner Tom Dundon, Rovell hears, acted against the wishes of league co-founders Charlie Ebersol and Bill Polian with the decision. 
On the surface, Dundon has lost approximately $70MM on his investment just weeks after scooping up the league. However, the perception inside the league office is that Dundon simply purchased a majority stake in the company to obtain the technology behind its gambling app, Albert Breer of The MMQB (on Twitter) hears.
“Dundon got the technology he wanted and he’s now minus one rather large headache,” a source told Breer.
John Kryk of the Toronto Sun offers a grim prognosis, saying that an AAF source has told him that the league is finished (Twitter link). Even if that’s not the case, the league’s move to suspend operations in the middle of its first season is not a good sign. Early on, the AAF seemed to have potential thanks to a broadcast deal with the CBS Sports Network, but the costs of stadium rentals and payroll quickly caught up with the fledgling league. Additional backing from Dundon appeared to be their life preserver, but that was not the case.
Recently, Dundon indicated that the league would not be able to move forward unless the NFLPA agreed to allow active players to join the AAF. Ultimately, the tactic did not work, and the AAF is now in serious trouble.
Shocking news.
I’m sure the AAF decided to call it quits rather than have to compete with the WFA which begins it’s season this weekend. You are a Cleveland Fusion fan right?
It may sound stupid but the only way football can have any time of developmental league is if it’s some type of non full-contact/2-touch game to keep em healthy, let the XFL take care of the other tackle league.
You’re right what you said does sound stupid, where does the article say anything about health??? No player would want to play in a 2 hand touch league they aren’t little kids. A development league likely won’t work anytime soon there would be too much football, and you can’t do it after the season because people will need a break from watching or simply wont want to.
Slow down turbo…that’s the whole reason the nfl won’t give them players to develop is health….
My goodness, this take is dumb. Bring back the downvotes.
The NFL won’t agree to let players play because of health concerns. Also, the product is meh because guys only play half speed and make “business decision” tackle attempts since risking their health for an $80k salary is ridiculous.
Think before posting next time.
It would’ve been cool if it found an audience but I couldn’t have cared less & I watched half of a quarter on a treadmill at the gym. RIP Manziels career for good
I’m going to be honest. I forgot this was even a thing until this popped up today.
What is AAF?
Already
A
Failure
Actually Almost Forgotten
Another Agonizing Failure
USFL Part two
The USFL had some quality teams and a lot of quality players.
Couldn’t they have done a deal where they sold him the technology but with some restrictions on what he could do with it? Seems like a better option than killing the league then again no one wanted to watch C+ players so it was gonna die anyways.
They could have, but they were also reportedly going to go under really early on into the season without his investment. He had them over a barrel it sounds like.
wow, what a scumbag
Seriously, he lost 70 million. Hardly a scumbag.
He gained the technology he was after, which the article states, so it’s not like he invested $70 mil out of the goodness of his heart. He invested with an ulterior motive, so yes, he is a scumbag for this.
Basically purchased the technology for 70mil. Put up 200mil to take over but seems like he just wanted the technology
At least the XFL got to finish a season
A- Dundon is a example of how one can be rich without being smart. He quickly became the biggest clown owner (outside of Melnyk) in the NHL after he bought the Hurricanes.
B- $70 million…for a gambling app…that a couple of CMU interns could have written in a few hours. Savvy.
It’s too bad at this point they didn’t let them finish the season out. An article said it would cost $20 million to finish the remaining weeks.
What about the 3 yr. /$250,000 contracts all the players had with the teams? Will they be honored or written off in bankruptcy court?
Written off
Figures! The little guy gets screwed again.
Back to whatever they were doing prior to this league coming along. Whatever it was I highly doubt they were pulling in $80000.
They weren’t guaranteed, so there’s nothing to write off.
Dang it
The CFL and arena leagues are rejoicing
Trent Richardson could be an MVP for the Albany Empire
The AAF should sell all the contracts to XFL CFL or Arena League
Sad day in San Antonio. I know it wasn’t the case in all 8 markets but we tried to show up to support the team. While it wasn’t a pro product it definitely didn’t cost pro prices to attend either and was entertaining to watch in person. The games also moved along pretty quickly and the lack of kickoffs was actually not a bad thing at all.
I imagine Chucky is celebrating in Oakland. Now there are about a dozen more useless QBs he can sign to join Peterman on his roster.