The AFL is back

[Dpantherman]

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on February 17, 2010 2:36 PM ET

The New Arena League will reboot with 15 teams this April, but Commissioner Jerry Kurz intends that number to grow in 2011.

Kurz and other notable names like Chicago Rush co-owner Mike Ditka and Arizona Rattlers President Danny White spoke on a conference call with the media designed to re-introduce the league. Here are a few highlights:

* The league is targeting four markets for expansion in 2011: Philadelphia, Denver, Pittsburgh, and Southern California. Applications from many other markets will be considered. Kansas City was mentioned as a possibility as well.

* Kurz stressed the league would love to get the Philadelphia Soul team led by Jon Bon Jovi and Ron Jaworski back aboard. Kurz said no one has done more for the league than Bon Jovi and his group. They have been in talks to bring the Soul back.

* There are no NFL owners involved with the 15 current teams. It's believed Bernie Kosar, Co-owner and President of the Cleveland Gladiators, remains in an advisory role with the Browns.

* NFL Network will broadcast live games on Friday nights at 8ET for 18 weeks, starting April 2. Kurz believed being "associated with the best" was important. Other games will be carried in local markets. All games will be carried live online.

* Everyone stressed that all owners would participate in active management of the league. "The owners we have aren't treating this is as a toy," Ditka said. "It's an investment."

* One coach mentioned that the league could benefit from uncertain labor situations in the NFL and NBA.

And that's about all the Arena Football league news for you this Wednesday. We haven't spent a lot of time watching the sport, but more football is never a bad thing and we wish the reformed league good luck

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/02/17/new-arena-league-targets-four-markets-for-expansion/

to refresh your memory, here all teams

[Captroop]

The games will air on the NFL network I guess. That's cool.

But no Carolina Cobras? WTF?

[jramsey4]

Awesome something for me to bet on!!

[Liminy]

Hell yes! I will say a-ok to anything giving me more football.

[jramsey4]

Man I miss NFL Europe. It was a good Developmental league and it was something to watch in the off-season that was live.

[ItsNotGonnaBeAlright]

The games will air on the NFL network I guess. That's cool.

But no Carolina Cobras? WTF?

Were the Cobras well supported? I know arena football never worked up here in the triad no matter how many times they tried it.

[panthersphan]

Bring Back

[Lilsmitty09]

Spokane Shock Baby! Hometown pride! im excited...but poo. no more Panthers football =*(

[Section 505]

Bring Back

Yeah Baby! I had season tickets before they folded back 5 years ago. I love the AFL. I think its a good fit for the NFLN.

[Khyber53]

Iowa Barnstormers!

Sorry, love their helmets that look like WWI era leather helmets with flight goggles.

[KillerKat]

Someone should start a facebook page to bring the Cobras back lol.

My team to root for until that happens will be the Jacksonville Sharks since my cousin lives there. Too bad Georgia Force is no more. That's where my uncle and aunt live =\