Colleges

Money woes threaten to derail fledgling football league

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Published March 7, 2008

GAINESVILLE - With its inaugural season in jeopardy, the All American Football League announced Thursday it is searching for multiple financing options to keep it afloat.

"Every effort is being made to ensure that the '08 season will be played as planned," Risa Balayem, senior director of communications, said in a statement. "But this depends upon locating a new majority owner with the needed liquidity, which in turn depends upon the league being able to finalize a TV deal. Otherwise, the inaugural season will be postponed to '09."

The pro league, for players who earned degrees, held a draft in January. The teams are scheduled to open training camp Wednesday "if liquidity can be immediately restored," the statement read.

The league had contracts to play three games at Florida Field and one at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Florida associate athletic director Greg McGarity said Wednesday the school would not seek legal action for breach of contract.

[Last modified March 6, 2008, 22:24:14]