Reports say Arena League may cancel 2009 season

It was "business as usual" at the Utah Blaze offices on Wednesday, as employees were selling tickets and sponsorships and otherwise preparing for the 2009 Arena Football League season.

But, according to ESPN.com and other sources, there is not likely going to be a 2009 AFL season. Both the Rocky Mountain News in Denver and the Kansas City Star reported Wednesday that the league was expected to cancel its 23rd season.

After reports of the possible cancellation of the 2009 season came out, the league offices issued the following statement: "Despite rumors and reports to the contrary, all AFL teams are continuing to work towards Arena Bowl XXIII. As it has previously stated, the AFL continues to work on long-term structural improvement options. Some of the options may impact the 2009 season. There is currently no timetable for an announcement of any kind. We remain grateful to our fans for their enthusiasm and patience."

Blaze president Jason Jones said he had been in teleconference meetings on Wednesday concerning the state of the AFL, but would not comment on any specifics being discussed.

"It's in the collective interest of everyone (associated with the AFL) to make sure we put both the best product and a viable product on the field," said Jones. "We need a viable economic model to be able to do that. We are looking at a lot of options at this point of time. It's premature to share anything because we have not yet fully discussed all of the options."

The Blaze, owned by local auto dealers John and Robert Garff, have been in the league for three seasons. During that time they have twice won the award for having AFL's best-run franchise and the team has been among the league leaders in attendance.

"We are business as usual with the Blaze," said Jones. "We are closing sponsorships right now. We are still selling tickets. We closed a couple of six-figure sponsorships this week. We have all been about our business as usual with the understanding that we have committees and appropriate personnel working on addressing the league's financial issues."

The Rocky Mountain News reported Wednesday that league officials are expected to make the announcement before the end of the week that the 2009 season will be suspended. The Kansas City Star later reported that Pete Likens, communications director for the Kansas City Brigade, said the AFL players' union agreed late Tuesday to the decision.