Arena Football League Faces Challenges: NFL Broadcast Mishaps and Off-Field Troubles for Teams

The Arena Football League (AFL) recently faced some challenges upon its relaunch. Despite a partnership with the NFL to broadcast 30 AFL regular season games on NFL Network, the game between the Albany Firebirds and Orlando Predators was not shown on NFL Network as expected but on VYRE Network. The NFL Network is scheduled to broadcast the next AFL game on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET when the Firebirds take on the Nashville Kats.

Meanwhile, off-field issues also plagued the AFL. Christian Red of The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the Soul faced several challenges, including the resignation of head coach Patrick Pimmel a day before their first game. Many Soul players received release forms, and players from the American Arena League 2’s Dallas Falcons filled in for them, leading to a 53-18 loss in Lafayette, Louisiana. Additionally, Sports agent Tristen Burnett reported that Soul players were evicted from their Super 8 motel in Philadelphia and had their luggage taken away and locked in a room, adding to the chaos and confusion surrounding the team’s situation. Finally, an earlier agreement with a venture group fell through, leading to uncertainty about ownership of the Soul and possibly leaving it under AFL control.