The National Arena League (NAL) announced Thursday afternoon that they would be expanding to four new cities along with a previously announced expansion team in New Jersey.
The league will take its talents to Orlando, Florida; Richmond, Virginia; Boston, Massachusetts; and Providence, Rhode Island during the 2018 season.
NAL Expansion set for Orlando, Richmond, Boston, and Providence
Teams rumored in those areas include the Richmond Roughriders whom were previously with Arena Pro Football (APF), and also the Orlando Predators, formerly with the Arena Football League (AFL).
The four expansion teams, will join the Jacksonville Sharks, Columbus Lions, Lehigh Valley Steelhawks, Monterrey Steel, High Country Grizzlies, Georgia Firebirds, and Jersey Flight for the 2018 NAL season.
“We have realized that geographic locations of member teams is only a minor factor in the expansion and the growth of the NAL,” Commissioner John Gregory said in a press release. “The most important factors are owners that have capable operators and a commitment and passion to arena football. We set no geographic boundaries or limitations on ourselves. We want the best partners.”
The press release also stated that the 2018 NAL schedule will be announced on October 1, 2017.
“We feel that all member teams must be ready to go by mid-August in order to maintain a sound business model,” Gregory said. “We are aiming for an October 1 schedule for our teams to maximize season ticket and group sales opportunities. It is football and we all love arena football, but it is the business of football and we must implement these strategies to maintain a strong foundation for success.”
The league opened its doors in 2017 to eight teams for its inaugural season, with the Jacksonville Sharks defeating the Columbus Lions in the championship game.
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