AF1 gearing up for first owners meeting in Chicago this week
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CHICAGO — The new Arena Football One league is holding its first-ever owners meeting this week in preparation of its inaugural season.
The league formed in September with all eight remaining teams merging from the Arena Football League. The Stockton Crusaders, Wilkes-Barre and Monterrey Kings later joined as expansion franchises with the possibility of a new market added to the mix as soon as this week according to league officials.
Billings Outlaws owner Steven Titus told Arena Insider on the latest episode of Press Pass on September 12 that they are in talks with networks to broadcast games this season, with one of the companies expected to speak at the meeting.
“We’re trying to figure out exactly what we need to do to increase excitement for our game,” Titus said. “We want a solid, reliable broadcast that’s comparable to something that you would see on Sundays in the National Football League. We have that ambition, skillset, knowledge and right people to make that happen.”
In a social media post, AF1 highlighted that the owners will discuss player pay, staffing, scheduling and partnerships. The post also laid out some details regarding the 2025 season including rosters and the expansion draft:
– Players can sign with teams beginning October 1.
– Returning teams can protect up to 15 players from its 2024 roster.
– Unprotected players will be eligible for the expansion draft.
– Teams will be divided between east and west divisions.
– The regular season will be 12 weeks.
– Six teams will make the playoffs (currently 11 teams).
AF1 CEO Jerry Kurz told the Albany Times Union that game-day pay for players on active rosters will be $400. Franchises will also be able to provide housing, meals and other forms of compensation for players according to Kurz.
“The sky is the limit with AF1,” Titus said. “We’re going to do what we need to do to be the premier spring football league in America. We have the right people, ideas and ambition.”
Arena Insider will cover the owners meeting this week and will share more details about the season as it becomes available.
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