Well, that’s it. 52 day’s in and the AAF has announced they’re suspending operations. Tom Dundon, the main investor of the AAF, wanted to be associated with the NFL as a developmental league. The NFL said no. So, that’s just about it for the AAF and $70+ million down the drain for Tom Dundon. Report’s have it that that the league was dead in the water when he bailed it out the first time, no matter what co-founder Charlie Ebersol said.
Kind of stupid that with all the money that is in the NFL’s hand’s that they couldn’t put some money in and actually use this league as a developmental league. It was fun while it lasted.
Sources: The AAF will suspend all football operations today. New owner Tom Dundon will lose approximately $70 million on his investment. Dundon makes decision against wishes of league co-founders Charlie Ebersol and Bill Polian.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) April 2, 2019
Let’s see what the good ol’ Vince McMahon is going to have in store for the XFL. I betcha he is glad he got to watch this league fold. They are only “suspending” operations right now. Let’s see if the AAF makes a return? I don’t see it happening.
But could Charlie Ebersol the league’s Co-Founder team up with Vince?
Not sure if it was ever reported, but AAF initially wanted Vince McMahon to join forces w/ them. If this goes the way it seems, it may be Charlie Ebersol seeking XFL instead.
— Dave Martinez (@DaveMartinezNY) April 2, 2019
"AAF operations suspended, league's future in doubt after eight games" https://t.co/Hy5VeYvnAh
What does one of the league’s newly acquired quarterback Johnny “Football” Manziel have to say?
If you’re an AAF player and the league does dissolve. The last check you got will be the last one that you get. No lawsuit or anything else will get you your bread. Save your money and keep your head up. It’s the only choice at this point unless something drastic happens.
— Johnny Manziel (@JManziel2) April 2, 2019
Just the reality of this unfortunate situation.. great concept, good football on the field and fun for fans to watch. Just not enough money to go around which has been the main problem with “other” leagues for a long time.
— Johnny Manziel (@JManziel2) April 2, 2019
— Dan Strafford (@DanStrafford) April 2, 2019
How much money did they burn?
Reported on @973espn at the time that Tom Dundon’s reported $250M investment was contingent on many things and not just a blank check. Sources say he lost over $70M in less than two months. League was dead in the water when he bailed it out no matter what Charlie Ebersol said
— John McMullen (@JFMcMullen) April 2, 2019