Arena Football League to expand playoffs to six teams due to new television deal

The Arena Football League is expanding its playoff format based on reports of a new partnership as the regular season wraps up this weekend.

The Orlando Predators’ show, “The Breakdown Live,” announced the league finalized a new television deal that would allow six teams to make the playoffs. Officials did not announce the change or network but is expected soon according to the show.

“We’ll be on tv twice [on July 6] for the first round, twice again for the next round and then the [Arena Bowl].” The hosts shared.

Following week nine, four out of the five playoff spots were secured with the Southwest Kansas Storm and Nashville Kats expected to compete for the final spot this weekend. Both teams will now clinch and week 10 games will determine positioning.

It’s possible the playoff format will follow: the number one and two seeds will be on a first-round bye. The four seed will host the five seed and the three seed will host the six seed in the first round. The number one seed will host the lowest remaining seed from the first round while the second seed will host the highest remaining seed in the semi-finals. The winners in the semi-finals will advance to the Arena Bowl which will be played at a neutral site that has yet to be announced.

Week 10 games

Southwest Kansas Storm @ Nashville Kats – (Jun. 29 5:30 p.m.)

Albany Firebirds @ Orlando Predators – (Jun. 29 7 p.m.)

Billings Outlaws @ Salina Liberty (Jun. 29 7:30 p.m.)

Wichita Regulators @ Washington Wolfpack (Jun. 29 3 p.m.)

Current standings as of week nine

#1 – Billings Outlaws (7-1)

#2 – Albany Firebirds (7-2)

#3 – Salina Liberty (6-2)

#4 – Orlando Predators (5-2)

#5 – Southwest Kansas Storm (4-5)

#6 – Nashville Kats (3-4)

#7 – Washington Wolfpack (2-6) {Eliminated from contention}

#8 – Wichita Regulators (1-6) {Eliminated from contention}

This remains a developing story and this post will be updated with more details as it becomes available

About Author

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: acarter@thexonemedia.com

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