Possible Expansion Cities (by likelihood):
1. Philadelphia, PA
The most likely of all the expansion talks is Philadelphia. This has been mentioned since day one. The only thing that was scary was the Tampa Bay Storm Radio reported on Twitter that there were some hangups with bringing the Soul back. However, there are rumors that the hangups have been solved. Possibility 95%
2. San Jose, CA
San Jose has been a historic franchise in the AFL. However, when the league reformed this year, workers compensation law scared the league away from California. As the league and San Jose (along with some changes to California WC law) have come to terms, this is looking more and more likely. Possibility 90%
3. Kansas City, KS
When the league was forming this year Kansas City was one of the 20 cities looking to join. However, certain things kept KC out. In addition to certain rumors I will talk about below, the league seems to want to have KC in the league. Not only were they a good fan base in the old AFL, it also makes sense geographically. KC sits perfectly between Tulsa and Des Moines, making regional travel very easy. This will help keep costs down for the league. Possibility 85%
4. Pittsburg, PA
The workers town of the USA. Rumors have been floating about this city for awhile now. It would make sense too. It's perfect for the region and the type of city where the AFL should flourish. Possibility 75%
5. Los Angeles, CA
LA was talked about in conjunction with San Jose. However, the biggest roadblock to the return of professional football to the City of Angels is finding a venue. The best thing they could do is put the team in Anaheim. Possibility 60%
6. Denver, CO
The Crush were a solid long-term franchise of the AFL, mainly due to involvement from John Elway. However, in the current league they are in a somewhat remote market. They could make a good addition to the West who are already spread out. Possibility 35%
7. San Antonio, TX
It has been rumored that San Antonio is hungry for a team. However, their first stint with a team in 1992 ended in the same year. The San Antonio Force was the first team shut out in the AFL. If the city is really wanting to join the AFL I can see it happening, but not next year. Possibility 20%
Possible Franchise Closing/Moving/Changing
1. Dallas Vigilantes
This rumor surprised me when I first heard about it, but it seems to make sense, but in a round about way. Rumors are that Jerry Jones wants to return to the AFL and bring the Desperados back with him. To do so, his "Franchise Fee" would be used to move the Vigilantes to Kansas City and be rebranded as the Brigade. Jerry Jones can fill seats in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, so if he really does want to come back it will happen.
2. Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz
The Yard Dawgz have been struggling with attendance (and wins). This is most likely due to the Thunder and NBA owning that city right now. If they don't think they can improve this would be a very likely closure.
3. Utah Blaze
The Blaze have been struggling all season with attendance. If they can't get a deal to get into an arena in downtown this team could fold just because their current arena doesn't pull in a crowd.
4. Bossier-Shreveport
This is something that has been rumbled but no specifics at all. The ownership seems to support the team, even as they fail to make money. But with the increased costs in the AFL who knows how long that will last.
How I see the league looking next year:
South Division:
Alabama Vipers
Jacksonville Sharks
Tampa Bay Storm
Orlando Predators
Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings
Southwest Division (maybe renamed to Central):
Tulsa Talons
Dallas Desperados
Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz
Kansas City Brigade
Iowa Barnstormers
Midwest Division
Milwaukee Iron
Chicago Rush
Cleveland Gladiators
Philadelphia Soul
Pittsburg
Western Division
Spokane Shock
Arizona Rattlers
Utah Blaze
San Jose Sabercats
Anaheim (Avengers)
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