Big news out of the National Arena League, it’s been just announced that they are cutting ties with the Columbus Lions. Due to the cut, the NAL will be moving into the 2023 season with only seven teams.
According to the press release from the NAL, “The decision was brought to motion on Monday, December 19, during a Board of Directors call. Today, the NAL is executing that decision by removing the Columbus Lions from all National Arena League affiliation.”
With rumors that the Arena Football League may be working towards a 2024 return, this can only be seen as bad news for the NAL. The league has a few years under its belt, so it’s all up to how they handle the upcoming season.
You can read the full press release from the National Arena League below:
ATLANTA, GA – The National Arena League announces today the removal of the Columbus Lions franchise from the League effective immediately. The decision was brought to motion on Monday, December 19, during a Board of Directors call. Today, the NAL is executing that decision by removing the Columbus Lions from all National Arena League affiliation.
“Josh Blair, managing partner of the Lions, has been updating me recently of their situation, and I know he worked hard to keep their playing hopes alive” commented NAL Commissioner Chris Siegfried “The League waited a long time with hopes of Columbus continuing in the NAL, but it is time to move on. We wish Josh and his partners all the success moving forward, and the door to our league will be open for the Lions should they come back in the future.”
The Columbus Lions had been part of the National Arena League since inception. The remaining NAL Franchises will move forward into 2023. The League will announce the updated 2023 regular season schedule in the near future.