Orlando Predators banned from Arena Football One after owner announced plans to sell franchise and cease operations
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ORLANDO, Fla. — Arena Football One officials announced it expelled the Orlando Predators, days before the team kicked off in the league’s inaugural season.
According to an email obtained by Arena Insider, Predators owner John Cheney informed team owners and AF1 officials including Commissioner Jeff Fisher Tuesday morning, that he is considering selling the Predators, ceasing operations and departing from the league.
“Due to unforeseen medical circumstances, significant cost overruns, a severe lack of national sponsorships, minimal local sponsorship support, and other unexpected challenges, I am considering multiple paths forward,” Cheney said in the email. “After extensive consultation with various stakeholders, it has become clear that my vision for a successful season does not align with the financial realities we are facing.”
The message from Cheney, which was sent shortly before 10:30 a.m. local time, sparked a furious response from the league to the community.
“Despite all the work that our teams and leagues have done to support each other, the ownership made a decision to selfishly grasp at straws and believe in fantastic stories rather than rely on the trust and relationships that have been forged over the years. There will be fines levied against the ownership group to recoup the losses that they have thrust upon their partners, and we will pursue every avenue to ensure these debts are satisfied.” The league shared in a release.
According to Cheney, the projections for the 2025 season appeared that it would not result in a profit and rather a loss exceeding what they could cover.
“While we have managed to secure funding to cover our initial obligations, the ongoing weekly financial burden is simply unsustainable.” Cheney said.
The Predators were one of the original eight teams that merged from the Arena Football League to Arena Football One. The team was scheduled to play the Southwest Kansas Storm in the Week 0 opening game and recently announced single game home tickets.
“When we started this endeavor months ago, all of our teams sat together and committed to being honest and diligent partners to build a successful league for our fans and communities. That required a commitment of trust and commitment to each other. This about-face and betrayal of the fans of Orlando and fans of Arena Football is shocking and unexpected.” League officials said.
The Nashville Kats will now travel to play the Storm on Saturday at 7 p.m. instead of the Corpus Christi Tritons. The Tritions will be on a bye as the league adjusts the schedule for the fourth time as its now down to 9 teams.
Prior to Orlando, the Wilkes-Barre Mavericks ceased operations while the Wichita Regulators, Monterrey Kings and Stockton Crusaders announced plans to join in 2026.
“The Predators have long been one of the best-known brands in Arena Football. [The fans] deserve better than to be betrayed for the selfish and desperate aspirations of an owner.” League officials said.
This remains a developing story and more details will be released as it emerges.
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