The Arena Football League (“AFL”) and the AFL Players Association (“AFLPA”) have reached an agreement to significantly amend their Collective Bargaining Agreement (“CBA”) as part of a thorough league-wide restructuring plan designed to re-launch the 23-year-old League in 2010.  While other elements of the plan need to be finalized and approved by the AFL Board of Directors before the AFL can resume play following the suspension of its 2009 season, this labor deal is a crucial step in the League’s restructuring efforts. 

The AFL and the players union have signed a Term Sheet setting forth revisions to the CBA which will only become binding when both the AFL owners and players ratify the Term Sheet.  If approved, the 4 year deal would be in effect from the 2010 season through the 2013 season.  

“This is a critical step forward for our game, the men who play it, and the fans who love it,” explained AFL Acting Commissioner ED POLICY. “The AFL is working tirelessly to develop a comprehensive plan to ensure that the League not only survives but thrives as a business enterprise.  This revised deal with the players provides a fundamental and vital foundation upon which we can rebuild the economic model of our League and its teams.”   

AFLPA Acting Executive Director, RICHARD BERTHELSEN added, “AFL players have remained steadfast in their love for their sport and their appreciation of their fans.  The players are doing everything reasonably possible to ensure that the AFL re-launches in 2010 and grows in the years to come.  Players are making economic concessions now in return for a share of expected increases in the League’s value and revenue, because the players believe in the future of the AFL.”  

AFLPA President, JAMES BARON, said, “AFL players have always addressed any challenge head-on.  We’ve done the same thing here -- working with the owners in a spirit of partnership to get through a tough year, but also share in the future success of the AFL.  We’re looking forward to getting back on the field, playing for the best fans in the world.” 

AFL owners were represented in the negotiations by Policy and a Negotiating Committee consisting of 3 owners; JIM RENACCI of the Columbus Destroyers, SHY ANDERSON of the Dallas Desperados, and CASEY WASSERMAN of the Los Angeles Avengers.  Renacci is also the Chairman of the AFL Executive Committee and has been asked by the AFL owners to represent them with Policy in spearheading the restructuring process. 

“In light of today’s unprecedented economic conditions, we worked diligently with the Union to re-structure our agreement so that we have the best chance of saving the jobs of hundreds of highly talented young men and ensuring the survival of a game loved by millions of fans.”  Renacci said.  “The owners see the players as partners in this endeavor and truly appreciate their commitment to this game.  Now we can move to finalize other elements of our plan which are necessary to return in 2010”   

Anderson added, “We have always believed in Arena Football as a great game and a tremendous product, but we know that we need some significant economic adjustments if we are ever going to succeed as a business.  This deal is a definite step in the right direction.” 

“Complete partnership with the AFLPA is a very real necessity in this restructuring process, and I am pleased the two teams are making best efforts to this point,” said Wasserman.  “Certainly this type of collaboration is the first step to success, particularly given the economic complexities facing both the League and the overall market.”