The AAF is only in its first year.
It’s been a rocky start to the life the Alliance American Football, otherwise known as the AAF. While the league has seen some success and even a viral moment on its opening weekend, the league has been unable to attract steady viewership. While the league seemed like a good idea as it tides football fans over until the NFL season, the league is already at risk going under.
Chairman and majority owner Tom Dundon, who is also the owner the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, says the NFLPA isn’t allowing young NFL players to participate in the league. Dundon says the AAF wants to be a development league sorts, but the NFL isn’t letting them do it.
“If the players union is not going to give us young players, we can’t be a development league,” Dundon told USA Today Sports. “We are looking at our options, one which is discontinuing the league.”
This is a fairly damning report as it could spell the end the league before its really even started. The league is currently halfway through its inaugural season and so far, every player is signed to a three-year contract. Players like Johnny Manziel and Trent Richardson have been using the league as a way to get noticed by NFL scouts for a second shot at glory.
So far, the NFLPA has yet to comment on Dundon’s claims.