AFL punts on season

Count the Arena Football League as the latest sports entity to crumble under the strain of the economic downturn.

Or perhaps more accurately, count the AFL as the latest league to use the economy as an excuse.

The league said this week it will cancel the 2009 season and attempt to develop a long-term plan to improve its economic model.

“These are trying economic times,” said Jon Bon Jovi, the rock star and part owner of the Philadelphia Soul. “The revamping will ensure that the AFL continues to provide value to its fans and not only survives but thrives in the years to come.”

While it’s easy to blame the economy, the AFL must have been dealing with financial problems before the recession. After all, leagues like the AFL, offering low ticket prices and a fan-friendly atmosphere, make perfect diversions during bleak economic times. A season-ticket package for the AFL champion Soul this past season was $59, easily manageable for even the most cash-strapped fans.

Consider the statement from AFL acting commissioner Ed Policy: “Every owner in the AFL is strongly committed to the league, the game and most importantly the fans. Owners, however, recognize that especially in light of the current unprecedented economic climate the AFL as a business enterprise needs to be restructured if it is to continue to provide its unique brand of this affordable, fan-friendly sport.”

Note the use of “especially” instead of “because” when referring to the economic climate. In essence, Policy is acknowledging that the league had structural problems that needed to be addressed. Though he would never admit it, the economy is being used as partial cover for financial problems that run a bit deeper.

For more than two decades, the AFL has proved to be one of the most visible second-tier sports leagues. Many AFL players have moved on to the NFL, and the league managed to secure television coverage through partnerships with ESPN and NBC. AFL franchises have been valued at $20 million — twice that of a WNBA franchise.

But at the same time, the teams’ profitability always has been questionable. More than 30 teams have folded through the years, and many of the most successful teams are controlled by NFL owners who are less interested in making a profit than promoting football year-round.

The AFL has released little information about its finances, but the canceled season likely will be used to streamline and centralize the league’s structure. There have been reports that the league may move to a single-entity structure similar to Major League Soccer in which teams are controlled by the league. Such a model would keep costs under control and allow for easier revenue sharing, but the move also could face antitrust challenges.