Arizona Bandits announce its shutting down 2025 season over lack of sponsorship

TEMPE, Ariz. — The Arizona Bandits announced it will shut down ahead of its opening season citing a lack of financial support.

“It is with great disappointment that the Arizona Bandits announce that our AF1 2025 season will not move forward. Due to a lack of sponsorship support, we would not be able to meet our financial obligations to our players, coaches, and partners so we made the incredibly difficult decision to shut the team down for this season.” The team shared in a release posted on its social media accounts.

On February 18, Mullett Arena officials notified Arena Insider that the Bandits were tentatively approved to play its home games there and an official announcement from the team was expected soon after. But uncertainty grew from fans and people close to the team as the season got closer, with its scheduled opening home game on March 23.

On March 7, indoor and arena football blog site Off The Wall FB said a source informed them that the Bandits did not pay the deposit for the arena lease.

On March 8, Mullet Arena confirmed with Arena Insider that the Bandits would not be playing there but did not give exact details behind the decision.

“As Arena Football One began, we were approached by an organization that had experienced a chaotic 2024. We welcomed them and worked with them to become successful members of AF1 in 2025. Despite these efforts, the Arizona Bandits notified the league today that they will not be able to participate in the league this season. As a result of this declaration by the Bandits, they will not be participating in the AF1 this season.” The league stated in the March 8 release.

The team’s former social media manager Zach Keilman, posted on X that he was not surprised at the news.

“For those that don’t know, me and the team went separate ways back on Feb 17 over obligations not being met. Football side of the team has a winning roster, but of course the business side isn’t in the right state.” Keilman said.

The Bandits were one of the expansion teams introduced to the new Arena Football One league on November 15. The team initially grew interest when it was being considered to compete in the Arena Football League last season.

“With a strong and experienced ownership group, the Bandits are poised to return Arena Football to the desert successfully.” The league said in the release on November 15.

Bandits owner Matt Mason at the time stated he was excited to bring a new experience of arena football to Arizona that would enhance the fan experience.

“The Bandits provide talented players with more opportunities to showcase their skills while we remain deeply committed to making a positive impact on our local community through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Above all, we strive to offer a family-friendly, affordable experience that fans of all ages can enjoy.” Mason said on November 15

The team did not close the door as a franchise as it hinted at a 2026 return.

The league is now down to 8 teams heading into Week 1. The league shared a revised schedule on its website and can be found here.

(Editor’s Note: Because of many adjustments to the schedule by Arena Football One, Arena Insider opts to defer its readers to the league website for upcoming games as it will quickly reflect any new updates.)