What Happened to the Alliance of American Football (AAF)? The Rise and Fall of a Promising Startup

By Jason Bolton November 25, 2023 21:53

The Alliance of American Football (AAF) was a football startup with grand aspirations but ultimately faced a catastrophic downfall. Launched in 2019, the league aimed to provide an alternative football experience during the NFL offseason. However, the AAF's journey was short-lived, and it folded before completing a single season. This article delves into the events leading up to the AAF's demise and explores the factors that contributed to its failure.

The Birth of the AAF: The AAF was founded by Charlie Ebersol, son of renowned television executive Dick Ebersol, and Bill Polian, a former NFL executive. Inspired by the failures of previous attempts to establish a spring football league, such as the XFL in 2001, the AAF set out to create a sustainable and competitive league.
Financial Struggles: One of the primary reasons behind the AAF's downfall was its financial instability. The league faced mismanagement and had significant operating costs that exceeded its revenue. This financial strain led to mounting debts and an inability to sustain operations.
The Involvement of Tom Dundon: Tom Dundon, the owner of the Carolina Hurricanes, joined the AAF as a controlling investor in February 2019. Despite his initial optimism, Dundon quickly grew concerned about the league's financial viability. He eventually made the decision to shut down the AAF, leaving its founders and supporters shocked.
Clash of Visions: Tensions between Charlie Ebersol and Tom Dundon became public during the AAF's final days. Ebersol fought to keep the league alive, while Dundon believed it was best to cut their losses. This clash of visions and conflicting interests further destabilized the AAF's already fragile position.
Lack of Fan Engagement: While the AAF received initial buzz and captured the attention of football fans, it struggled to maintain long-term fan engagement. Minor league sports often face challenges in attracting and retaining a dedicated fan base. The AAF was no exception, as it failed to consistently draw in viewership and generate significant interest.
Competition with the NFL: The AAF's decision to position itself as a complementary league to the NFL also posed challenges. Attempting to establish a foothold in a market dominated by the NFL proved to be a daunting task. Many football fans were already deeply invested in the NFL and had little incentive to divert their attention to a new league.
Lessons from Past Failures: The AAF's failure also served as a reminder of the difficulties faced by previous spring football leagues. The XFL, founded by WWE chairman Vince McMahon and Dick Ebersol, had also collapsed in 2001. The AAF's demise hinted at McMahon's potential interest in reviving the XFL, which ultimately happened in 2020.

The Alliance of American Football (AAF) was a football startup that aspired to challenge the NFL's dominance and provide football fans with an exciting alternative during the offseason. However, due to financial mismanagement, a clash of interests, and an inability to sustain operations, the AAF folded prematurely. Its untimely demise serves as a cautionary tale for future sports startups, emphasizing the importance of sustainable financial strategies, fan engagement, and a clear vision for success. The AAF's failure also highlights the challenges of competing in a market dominated by established leagues like the NFL.