Conflicting Reports Surface About AAF’s Financial Viability
Feb 19, 2019, 3:09 PM | Updated: Feb 20, 2019, 3:58 pm
Courtesy of the Alliance of American Football
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Alliance of American Football has no financial problems according to a statement put out by the league, despite multiple reports indicating the league was near the brink of collapse over the weekend.
Conflicting reports surfaced Tuesday regarding the AAF’s financial situation. Some reports indicated the up-start league was suffering a severe financial crisis, and unable to meet payroll for its players.
Other reports stated that the league was in fine shape and that any payroll discrepancies could be attributed to a glitch in the system.
New Majority Investor
Regardless of what really happened, it has been confirmed that owner of the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes and primary Topgolf investor, Tom Dundon, became a major player in the AAF with an investment of $250 million.
Dundon will assume duties as the league’s new chairman effective immediately, according to a statement released by co-founder and CEO Charlie Ebersol Tuesday.
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— Salt Lake Stallions (@aafstallions) February 19, 2019
“Since the beginning, it has been crucial that the foundation of The Alliance be set with world-class partners and Tom Dundon represents just that. Tom, Bill Polian and I will work with our great team at the Alliance to expand our football operations and technology business. Tom is a self-made American success story who brings a wealth of knowledge in the sports, entertainment and finance worlds and proven leadership to our organization,” Ebersol said.
“As a lifelong sports fan and entrepreneur, I’ve always valued the opportunities generated in the ecosystem of sports and entertainment,” said Dundon. “I’m impressed with The Alliance’s stunning growth in-stadium and across TV, mobile and social media in just these first few weeks.”
Stallions Reaction To AAF Financial Rumors
Salt Lake Stallions president Tyler Howell, speaking to KSL Sports’ Scott Mitchell on the Helmets Off podcast, said that he believes Dundon’s contribution will be remembered as a landmark event for the league.
Listen to the full interview:
“This is a good day for The Alliance,” said Howell on Tuesday, the day of Dundon’s investment. “We’ve got a guy that is a really smart businessman that’s really successful. He’s seen what has happened on the field the last two weeks and realized that there’s something, to quote from his press release, he’s not interested in giving money away.”
According to Stallions head coach Dennis Erickson, there were no money troubles for the AAF, which began play on February 9.
We’re coming home SLC and we’re challenging you to #ICEtheRICE.
Join us this Saturday as we take on the Hotshots in our Inaugural Home Opener.
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📲| 385-715-7060 pic.twitter.com/C430ndPcGS— Salt Lake Stallions (@aafstallions) February 18, 2019
“The only news is that some investor put in $250 million. That’s a great plus for our league,” said Erickson. “There’s no financial problems or anything like that. Everything’s going fine. (It was a) great donation from that gentleman, he’s going to be a big part of our league.”
The Stallions have begun their season on the road with losses to the Arizona Hotshots and the Birmingham Iron. The team will make its home debut on Saturday, February 23 at 1 p.m. against Arizona at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
