# Introduction: WHY ASK HOW MANY TEAMS IN THE ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE MATTERS
Are you curious about how many teams in the Arena Football League are competing this season? You’re not alone. Every year, fans, sports bettors, and industry insiders track league lineup changes because the answer shapes everything from roster news to how the regular season unfolds. In this expert guide, I’ll break down not just the numbers but also reveal key team histories, expansion plans, hidden facts, and offer actionable advice on staying up to date.
# WHAT IS THE ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE?
First, let’s clarify the core concept. The Arena Football League (AFL) is a professional indoor American football league that began in 1987. Unlike the NFL, games are played on smaller, indoor fields, leading to high-octane, fast-scoring matches. Over the decades, the league has experienced interruptions, reboots, and major changes.
# 2024: HOW MANY TEAMS IN THE ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE?
So, how many teams are in the Arena Football League right now? For the 2024 season, the AFL relaunched with TWELVE teams. This marks one of the league’s most ambitious expansions since its return.
Here is a snapshot (来源: [AFL Official Website], [Sports Business Journal], 2024):
| Team Name | City | Founded | Notable Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albany Firebirds | Albany, NY | 1990 (Refounded 2024) | Historic fan following |
| Nashville Kats | Nashville, TN | 1997 (Rebooted 2024) | Returned after 15 years |
| Orlando Predators | Orlando, FL | 1991 | Most playoff appearances |
| Philadelphia Soul | Philadelphia, PA | 2004 | Co-owned by Bon Jovi |
| San Antonio Gunslingers | San Antonio, TX | 2021 (Joined AFL 2024) | Fastest-growing fanbase |
| Salina Liberty | Salina, KS | 2015 (Joined AFL 2024) | Key Midwest presence |
| Southwest Kansas Storm | Dodge City, KS | 2020 (Joined AFL 2024) | Known for community outreach |
| West Texas Warbirds | Odessa, TX | 2020 (Joined AFL 2024) | Recently undefeated season |
| Rapid City Marshals | Rapid City, SD | 2021 (Joined AFL 2024) | Success in indoor football circuits |
| Oklahoma Flying Aces | Enid, OK | 2023 | Youngest franchise |
| Sioux City Bandits | Sioux City, IA | 1999 (Joined AFL 2024) | Longest-lasting Midwest team |
| Iowa Rampage | Des Moines, IA | 2024 | First season in AFL |
# HOW DO AFL TEAMS COMPARE TO OTHER LEAGUES?
Here’s a quick comparison of the 2024 AFL with other popular indoor leagues:
| League | Number of Teams (2024 Season) | Geographic Reach | Average Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arena Football League | 12 | Nationwide | 4,500 |
| Indoor Football League | 16 | Midwest/West | 3,100 |
| National Arena League | 7 | East/South | 2,100 |
# HISTORICAL CHANGES: TEAMS COME AND GO
If you’re wondering why the number of teams in the arena football league keeps changing, you’re asking a great question. The AFL’s history is full of expansion booms and periods of contraction. For example, in 2004 the league reached a record 19 teams. However, financial troubles led to a 2009 bankruptcy, and teams folded or relocated multiple times (来源: [USA Today Sports], 2020).
Expansion and contraction patterns mean the answer to how many teams in the arena football league will continue to evolve. Cities like Chicago and Los Angeles had teams in the past, but currently do not host AFL franchises.
# HOW TO TRACK CURRENT TEAMS: STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
Getting accurate info on how many teams in the Arena Football League exist right now can be tricky. Here’s how I recommend staying updated:
1. VISIT THE OFFICIAL AFL WEBSITE. Check their “Teams” page for the latest lineup.
2. FOLLOW REPUTABLE SPORTS NEWS OUTLETS. ESPN, Sports Business Journal, and local sports stations often break news about expansion or team closures.
3. JOIN ONLINE FAN COMMUNITIES. Reddit’s r/ArenaFootball and AFL-specific Facebook groups often report rumors and confirmations before major outlets.
4. SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTERS. Several teams and league insiders offer free email updates.
5. CHECK TEAM SOCIAL MEDIA. Direct updates from franchise accounts are often timely and reliable.
According to my experience, setting up Google Alerts for “AFL expansion” and “arena football teams” keeps you one step ahead of major changes.
# COMMON MISTAKES WHEN ASKING HOW MANY TEAMS IN THE ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE
ATTENTION: One major misconception is assuming that all teams listed by unofficial sources are currently active. Many websites are slow to update after teams fold or relocate. Another common error is confusing the Arena Football League with the Indoor Football League or National Arena League, which are completely separate competitions with their own teams.
# WHY THE NUMBER MATTERS: PRACTICAL IMPACT
The number of teams in the Arena Football League impacts:
– Number of regular-season games
– Playoff formats (round-robin, single elimination, etc.)
– Regional fanbases and rivalries
– Player opportunities and draft pools
For instance, with twelve teams, the league splits into two divisions with a balanced schedule, increasing both competition and fan engagement.
# CHECKLIST: HOW TO MONITOR ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE TEAMS
– SET browser bookmarks for official AFL news.
– SIGN UP for at least one league or team newsletter.
– FOLLOW top Arena Football League reporters on social media.
– READ preseason and midseason coverage for lineup changes.
– VERIFY team rosters and locations before buying tickets or merchandise.
– CHECK game schedules and venues directly from the league.
# CONCLUSION
So, how many teams in the arena football league as of 2024? The answer is twelve. However, history suggests that this number will shift as the league continues to grow and adapt. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, casual viewer, or looking to invest your time or resources, knowing the up-to-date lineup of teams will help you stay ahead in the fast-paced world of arena football.
