Oregon Blackbears president breaks silence following team’s sudden departure in late May

SALEM, Ore — The Oregon Blackbears shared a letter with fans about the team’s status for the first time since the league’s realignment in late May.

On May 29, The Arena Football League announced it was moving forward with nine teams which did not include the Blackbears. President Pat Johnson posted a letter on the team’s website Tuesday about the situation and noted they are preparing for next season.

“Due to the uncertainties regarding our scheduling issues with the AFL, we were unable to confirm opponents for our last two home contests,” Johnson said. “At the close of business on June 17, we have begun reimbursing any remaining ticket holders for our June 22 and June 29th home contests.  We will immediately begin preparations for our 2025 season launch.”

The announcement potentially affects the Blackbears’ recent partnership extension with HUMBL. The agreement outlined that HUMBL will remain the main ticketing company for remaining 2024 home games, “no matter what opponent or league.”

Despite the announcement, it’s unknown if the team will continue playing in the Arena Football League next season.

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Anthony Carter

Anthony Carter is the founder and publisher of X1 Media and Arena Insider. Carter grew up in Philadelphia, PA and graduated from Elizabethtown College. He’s a former news anchor, reporter and producer. Carter is also a proud member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). Want to connect with Anthony? Send him an email: [email protected]

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