Blue Bombers Forum

The Extra Point => Offside Forum => Topic started by: GCn19 on February 19, 2019, 01:33:41 PM

Title: AAF a financial mess
Post by: GCn19 on February 19, 2019, 01:33:41 PM
So the AAF apparently got a financial bail out already from the owner of the Carolina Hurricanes. If not for a credit backing of 250 million the league would have folded this week. Now, before any of you say...well they got a huge amount of money now, keep in mind that there is zero chance this league continues to operate as it has. I am certain LARGE financial operating changes have to be coming. Under current operations this league frittered away over 100 million dollars that had already been invested and played 2 weeks of football. The new credit backer will not let this go on and end up having to pay down a defunct league's debt.

So for those who thought Polian was a genius that would instantly have success, and that his business model was solid....told ya so. This new line of credit will allow them to continue temporarily but without major change to it's finances this is a league that is on it's death march.
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: Darwinismyhomeboy on February 19, 2019, 01:39:48 PM
Haven't looked into the league at all.  I wonder how their crowds are.  And do they even have a tv deal?
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: booch on February 19, 2019, 01:52:39 PM
said all along....the U.S public will not buy into it, nor will any large corporate sponsors to inject the all important revenue into it...form when I lived and played in the U.S if it wasn't NFL or NCAA...it was an after thought..especially in the larger areas...doesn't matter who is backing it, playing in it, or what they saw as reason's for failure in past leagues...
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: Blue In BC on February 19, 2019, 01:56:08 PM
I've watched parts of 4 games and stadium crowds seem very small. In fact the broadcast seems to go out of their way to NOT show the crowds. Could be partially my imagination but it seems that way. Also not much noise from the fans either? Haven't seen any mascots or cheerleaders?

The TV gives odd overhead or from the back field looks making it harder to see what is going on.

The only thing I did notice this weekend that was of interest was that Khalil Bass was on one of the teams.
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: Jesse on February 19, 2019, 01:59:10 PM
It won't last its first season.

And not should it. The football is terrible.
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: Blue In BC on February 19, 2019, 02:04:57 PM
Quote from: Jesse on February 19, 2019, 01:59:10 PM
It won't last its first season.

And not should it. The football is terrible.

It has been horrible football so far. Looks like pee wee pre season.
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: BlueInCgy on February 19, 2019, 02:07:28 PM
Quote from: Blue In BC on February 19, 2019, 01:56:08 PM
I've watched parts of 4 games and stadium crowds seem very small. In fact the broadcast seems to go out of their way to NOT show the crowds. Could be partially my imagination but it seems that way. Also not much noise from the fans either? Haven't seen any mascots or cheerleaders?


Wait.  There's AAF teams in Toronto and Vancouver  :D
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: theaardvark on February 19, 2019, 02:19:49 PM
Quote from: BlueInCgy on February 19, 2019, 02:07:28 PM
Wait.  There's AAF teams in Toronto and Vancouver  :D

No, Toronto and BC have weak crowds..  AAF crowds are embarrassing.  How they cam uup with the attendance numbers for game one... I have no idea.

Less than 12k in Memphis...  and I'm sure that is fudged.

I sure hope none of the players are counting on all the benefits they were offered...  looks like even game 3 game cheques may be in question...
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: blue_or_die on February 19, 2019, 02:35:10 PM
Where is bigbuff33 who was saying all year that the AAF would be the demise of the CFL?
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: The Zipp on February 19, 2019, 03:07:46 PM
From deadspin:
https://deadspin.com/report-the-aaf-needed-a-250-million-bailout-after-jus-1832723865/amp?__twitter_impression=true (https://deadspin.com/report-the-aaf-needed-a-250-million-bailout-after-jus-1832723865/amp?__twitter_impression=true)

Anyone with a stake in the AAF was eager to let the world know what a wild success the league?s first week of games was, citing the fact that the opening contest got better ratings than an NBA game on ABC. But according to a report from The Athletic, the league?s solid ratings didn?t prevent it from nearly missing payroll in just its second week of operation.

The Athletic reports that the AAF was on the cusp of not being able to pay its players on Friday, but was bailed out when Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon agreed to make a $250 million investment in the league, making him the league?s new chairman:

?Without a new, nine-figure investor, nobody is sure what would have happened,? one source said. ?You can always tell people their checks are going to be a little late, but how many are going to show up on the weekend for games when they don?t see anything hit their bank accounts on Friday??

On Tuesday, multiple sources told The Athletic, the AAF will announce that Carolina Hurricanes majority owner Tom Dundon, a self-made billionaire from Dallas, has become that nine-figure investor. Dundon will be introduced as the league?s new chairman after last week?s commitment of $250 million enabled the AAF to meet its obligations.


Meanwhile, attendance at the league?s Week 2 games was pretty grim. Hopefully Dundon isn?t hoping for a big return on his investment.
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: bowlerdude on February 19, 2019, 03:10:31 PM
The salaries they were promising always seemed wildly ambitious. Sounded nice for the players but felt like it was impossible for a brand new league to pay. I tried to give them a little bit of benefit of the doubt, but clearly that was unwarranted. I'm a little surprised it only took a couple of weeks, but this seems like it was always the inevitable outcome.
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: kkc60 on February 19, 2019, 03:12:13 PM
I hope it lasts. Lots of good football players playing in the league and they deserve to be able to play the sport they love.

I don't get why so many CFL fans are so concentrated on trashing the AAF. It literally hurts no one by existing
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: blue_gold_84 on February 19, 2019, 03:21:09 PM
Quote from: kkc60 on February 19, 2019, 03:12:13 PM
I hope it lasts. Lots of good football players playing in the league and they deserve to be able to play the sport they love.

I don't get why so many CFL fans are so concentrated on trashing the AAF. It literally hurts no one by existing

Not the point at all. A league shouldn't need a quarter billion dollar bailout after two weeks. That's beyond absurd.

It has nothing to do with whether or not it hurts anyone by existing. It's a matter of whether or not its existence is viable.
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: GCn19 on February 19, 2019, 03:31:12 PM
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on February 19, 2019, 03:21:09 PM
Not the point at all. A league shouldn't need a quarter billion dollar bailout after two weeks. That's beyond absurd.

It has nothing to do with whether or not it hurts anyone by existing. It's a matter of whether or not its existence is viable.

It clearly, under current parameters, is not viable.
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: GCn19 on February 19, 2019, 03:35:24 PM
Quote from: kkc60 on February 19, 2019, 03:12:13 PM
I hope it lasts. Lots of good football players playing in the league and they deserve to be able to play the sport they love.

I don't get why so many CFL fans are so concentrated on trashing the AAF. It literally hurts no one by existing

I agree it hurts no one by existing. However, we were all told this would hurt the CFL. Many of us said it would not. Now we get our todaso's.
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: GCn19 on February 19, 2019, 03:38:28 PM
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on February 19, 2019, 03:21:09 PM
Not the point at all. A league shouldn't need a quarter billion dollar bailout after two weeks. That's beyond absurd.

It has nothing to do with whether or not it hurts anyone by existing. It's a matter of whether or not its existence is viable.

We were all told this league had deep pockets and could sustain losses for the first couple of years. We were all told Polian was a genius and the league would be a financial success. We were all told that everyone would jump ship to the AAF for the paycheque. Clearly all of that was B.S. and this league was all smoke and mirrors. Even McMahon wouldn't buy it and use it to jumpstart the XFL. Bankrupt after week one....well done Mr. Polian.
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: blue_gold_84 on February 19, 2019, 03:44:33 PM
According to the rumour mill, the first two weeks' worth of games haven't generated a dime for the AAF. LOL
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: GCn19 on February 19, 2019, 03:47:43 PM
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on February 19, 2019, 03:44:33 PM
According to the rumour mill, the first two weeks' worth of games haven't generated a dime for the AAF. LOL

How could it? The attendance numbers were fictitious and those that were there were probably a papered crowd in an attempt at good TV optics. This league has no revenue streams.
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: theaardvark on February 19, 2019, 03:53:17 PM
Wow... hype he league, put some fannies in the seats in week one, and week two, almost get outdrawn my the LFL... pretty sad, really. 

Good concept, good intentions, great names associated with the teams, but a horrible execution and now these headlines are making this rapidly a laughing stock. 

Good planning on Walters part, here's another wave of potential players...
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: kkc60 on February 19, 2019, 03:57:56 PM
Quote from: theaardvark on February 19, 2019, 03:53:17 PM
Wow... hype he league, put some fannies in the seats in week one, and week two, almost get outdrawn my the LFL... pretty sad, really. 

Good concept, good intentions, great names associated with the teams, but a horrible execution and now these headlines are making this rapidly a laughing stock. 

Good planning on Walters part, here's another wave of potential players...
Of course you somehow find a way to compliment Walters
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: kkc60 on February 19, 2019, 04:00:36 PM
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on February 19, 2019, 03:21:09 PM
Not the point at all. A league shouldn't need a quarter billion dollar bailout after two weeks. That's beyond absurd.

It has nothing to do with whether or not it hurts anyone by existing. It's a matter of whether or not its existence is viable.
And who is it hurting by existing? The league itself and those throwing money into it. Why anyone here would care if they shovel money to keep it going? Doesn't affect us.

Even Ed Tait and Darren Cameron seem to enjoy taking the piss outta the AAF.
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: bluengold204 on February 19, 2019, 04:04:17 PM
Quote from: kkc60 on February 19, 2019, 04:00:36 PM
And who is it hurting by existing? The league itself and those throwing money into it. Why anyone here would care if they shovel money to keep it going? Doesn't affect us.

Even Ed Tait and Darren Cameron seem to enjoy taking the piss outta the AAF.

They only care cause they want to brag and tell everyone that they were right saying the league would fail from the get go.  Nothing more than people trying to boost their own egos.
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: blue_gold_84 on February 19, 2019, 04:14:39 PM
Quote from: kkc60 on February 19, 2019, 04:00:36 PM
And who is it hurting by existing? The league itself and those throwing money into it. Why anyone here would care if they shovel money to keep it going? Doesn't affect us.

Even Ed Tait and Darren Cameron seem to enjoy taking the piss outta the AAF.

I responded to that silly comment already. But when you think about it, it'll hurt a number of individuals if it can't afford to pay them. So, there's that. Unless you think corporate welfare and hard-working athletes not getting remunerated are reasonable things. I sure don't.

And good for Tait and Cameron. Turns out they were right. It's like you're upset for others having an opinion. ???
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: kkc60 on February 19, 2019, 04:27:07 PM
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on February 19, 2019, 04:14:39 PM
I responded to that silly comment already. But when you think about it, it'll hurt a number of individuals if it can't afford to pay them. So, there's that. Unless you think corporate welfare and hard-working athletes not getting remunerated are reasonable things. I sure don't.

And good for Tait and Cameron. Turns out they were right. It's like you're upset for others having an opinion. ???
The league still exists last I checked. That being said, what I'm saying is if millionaires wanna throw millions at the league, that's their choice.

As for Tait and Cameron, I'm just surprised how insecure some CFL people seem to be about the AAF.

Oh they can have an opinion. Everyone can. Mine is that the AAF deserves a fair shake. Its a new league, it doesnt have the benefit of existing for 60 years. I can't say I hope it lasts. But I hope it does. Not because its overly entertaining, but because if it doesn't lots of athletes, trainers, stadium workers, coaches and league personnel will lose their jobs. Plus i personally love football of all forms.

I just fail to see why people would cheer against it, reasonably
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: Colton on February 19, 2019, 04:27:11 PM
Quote from: GCn18 on February 19, 2019, 03:38:28 PM
We were all told this league had deep pockets and could sustain losses for the first couple of years. We were all told Polian was a genius and the league would be a financial success. We were all told that everyone would jump ship to the AAF for the paycheque. Clearly all of that was B.S. and this league was all smoke and mirrors. Even McMahon wouldn't buy it and use it to jumpstart the XFL. Bankrupt after week one....well done Mr. Polian.

I'm not sure why you take so much joy in the failure of a league just because some people claimed it would kill the CFL. It's like flexing on flat earthers or beating up a toddler and claiming you're strong.
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: GCn19 on February 19, 2019, 05:01:39 PM
Quote from: Colton on February 19, 2019, 04:27:11 PM
I'm not sure why you take so much joy in the failure of a league just because some people claimed it would kill the CFL. It's like flexing on flat earthers or beating up a toddler and claiming you're strong.

Fair point...but I will still do it.
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: Colton on February 19, 2019, 05:08:25 PM
Quote from: GCn18 on February 19, 2019, 05:01:39 PM
Fair point...but I will still do it.

Hahaha fair enough
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: Jesse on February 19, 2019, 05:09:45 PM
Quote from: GCn18 on February 19, 2019, 05:01:39 PM
Fair point...but I will still do it.
Quote from: Colton on February 19, 2019, 05:08:25 PM
Hahaha fair enough

What a reasonable disagreement.

Good job boys.
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: The Zipp on February 19, 2019, 05:16:28 PM
I think it may come down to how this league was presented and perceived at the onset.  If you perceived it as a threat to the CFL and your livelihood then I guess it is normal to react positively when it looks to be failing.  If it is just perceived to be complimentary then you cheer it on and hope it does well. 

There were numerous reports that the CFL better be wary of this new league that pays better, has insurance and is going to weaken the talent pool - all before a single game was played ...when that is put forward in that tone I can see why those with an actual financial investment (ed and Darren) and those with an emotional investment (lots of fans) move to the "competitive" side and will see this bailout as the beginning of the end of yet another league. 

And some people just like being right...
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: kkc60 on February 19, 2019, 05:34:08 PM
Quote from: The Zipp on February 19, 2019, 05:16:28 PM
I think it may come down to how this league was presented and perceived at the onset.  If you perceived it as a threat to the CFL and your livelihood then I guess it is normal to react positively when it looks to be failing.  If it is just perceived to be complimentary then you cheer it on and hope it does well. 

There were numerous reports that the CFL better be wary of this new league that pays better, has insurance and is going to weaken the talent pool - all before a single game was played ...when that is put forward in that tone I can see why those with an actual financial investment (ed and Darren) and those with an emotional investment (lots of fans) move to the "competitive" side and will see this bailout as the beginning of the end of yet another league. 

And some people just like being right...
Fair points, that being said, the AAF really makes sense for lots of American players. Not everyone can go to a different country for several months a year nor do they want to. Plus, with how the CFL and its rosters are structured, a good part of the AAFs players would never even get a DI spot in the CFL or a shot altogether.

When I saw the AAF and what it provides its players, I found it unreasonable but at the same time, you can only play ball for so long. Obviously the CFL couldn't match what they provide, but after seeing how Jonathan Hefny had to start a Go Fund Me because of an injury suffered in the CFL, I can't fault players for looking and choosing to go elsewhere, or have any issue with a league doing better in that regard
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: GCn19 on February 19, 2019, 06:07:10 PM
Quote from: kkc60 on February 19, 2019, 05:34:08 PM
Fair points, that being said, the AAF really makes sense for lots of American players. Not everyone can go to a different country for several months a year nor do they want to. Plus, with how the CFL and its rosters are structured, a good part of the AAFs players would never even get a DI spot in the CFL or a shot altogether.

When I saw the AAF and what it provides its players, I found it unreasonable but at the same time, you can only play ball for so long. Obviously the CFL couldn't match what they provide, but after seeing how Jonathan Hefny had to start a Go Fund Me because of an injury suffered in the CFL, I can't fault players for looking and choosing to go elsewhere, or have any issue with a league doing better in that regard

Hey I'd love to see the AAF succeed. I just thought their economic plan, pay scale, benefits etc were out to lunch and I didn't like that teams around the CFL lost some good neg listers because of it. If they re-format in a realistic fashion that they can afford instead of trying to poach the best talent outside the NFL I wish them all the luck in the world. I feel sorry for the players that were promised a lot that will never be delivered. If you can't make payroll in week one based on revenues, it means they will have a lot of financial restructuring to do. Most of that will come at the expense of player and coaching salaries. That's just the reality.

Just last week we had financial geniuses like Odell Willis hand bagging for the AAF and putting down the pay structure of the league that fed him for the last 10 years. That's who the todaso's are for.
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: blue_or_die on February 19, 2019, 06:42:04 PM
Quote from: kkc60 on February 19, 2019, 05:34:08 PM
Fair points, that being said, the AAF really makes sense for lots of American players. Not everyone can go to a different country for several months a year nor do they want to. Plus, with how the CFL and its rosters are structured, a good part of the AAFs players would never even get a DI spot in the CFL or a shot altogether.

When I saw the AAF and what it provides its players, I found it unreasonable but at the same time, you can only play ball for so long. Obviously the CFL couldn't match what they provide, but after seeing how Jonathan Hefny had to start a Go Fund Me because of an injury suffered in the CFL, I can't fault players for looking and choosing to go elsewhere, or have any issue with a league doing better in that regard

The criticism was never about players wanting to go to a league that would apparently treat them better, is was about pie-in-the-sky plans that did not have a basis in reality.
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: GCn19 on February 19, 2019, 06:49:58 PM
Here's what you need to know about Dundon.

He is the owner of the Carolina Hurricanes. In interviews he has stated that the Hurricanes will never draft a defenceman in the first round as long as he owns the team because defence is boring.

At BOG meetings he has advocated that the NHL go full time to 3 on 3 hockey.

He is the one who has ordered his team to do bizarre choreographed routines after the game.

Wants the NHL to eliminate body contact.

Just some of the nuggets he has dropped at BOG meetings and in interviews. The guy is a wing nut who is going to do some bizarre things to the game of football now that he owns the AAF. Will we see the first ever professional flag football league where the defence has to play 2 men short? Maybe....just maybe.
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: Fire101 on February 19, 2019, 07:12:30 PM
The whole issue is the league was way out in left field with the salaries, and benefits it was offering.


As for Dundon, the NHL head office needs to wake up and put a team back in Quebec.
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: GCn19 on February 19, 2019, 07:19:18 PM
Quote from: Fire101 on February 19, 2019, 07:12:30 PM
The whole issue is the league was way out in left field with the salaries, and benefits it was offering.


As for Dundon, the NHL head office needs to wake up and put a team back in Quebec.

Dundon was the only guy willing to take on a hemorrhaging Hurricanes franchise and keep it in Carolina.
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: Maudie fingerjammer on February 20, 2019, 12:44:00 AM
Here in Mesa the team had difficulty meeting payroll. Apparently some hotshot NHL owner came to the rescue. Could be the Bombers will scoop up some value with unused cap space.
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: Leroy on February 20, 2019, 03:12:16 AM
Quote from: GCn18 on February 19, 2019, 06:49:58 PM
Here's what you need to know about Dundon.

He is the owner of the Carolina Hurricanes. In interviews he has stated that the Hurricanes will never draft a defenceman in the first round as long as he owns the team because defence is boring.

At BOG meetings he has advocated that the NHL go full time to 3 on 3 hockey.

He is the one who has ordered his team to do bizarre choreographed routines after the game.

Wants the NHL to eliminate body contact.

Just some of the nuggets he has dropped at BOG meetings and in interviews. The guy is a wing nut who is going to do some bizarre things to the game of football now that he owns the AAF. Will we see the first ever professional flag football league where the defence has to play 2 men short? Maybe....just maybe.

He is a dirt bag. Go look at how he built his wealth.
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: TecnoGenius on February 20, 2019, 05:41:06 AM
I was one who thought for sure the AAF would fail.  So I'm not shocked.  Like some, and I admit this freely, I was sort of hoping they'd fail.  But now that I see that it's no threat to the CFL, it's more like the pathetic loser, stray kitten or unwanted mutt down the street... you gotta feel sorry for them.  On that basis, I'd like to see them succeed, with "success" meaning "stay afloat".

Like I said in the other thread: AAF isn't a threat to the CFL, it will actually help the CFL (and NFL I think).  Getting these kids and almost-weres more game reps never hurts.  Giving more guys the chance to chase their dream can't hurt.  Giving our scouts more looks at potential BB's can't hurt.

So I wish them no animus and hope they can keep it together.  With deep pockets like that, surely they can.  Hell, what's the entire CFL budget for 1 year?  I doubt that's anywhere close to 250M USD?

I do hope that faced with insolvency issues they scale back salaries to more closely match ELC INT contracts in the CFL.  That will take any last reason away for anyone to consider AAF a threat to the CFL.  Based on the level of play I saw in 2 games, there's no reason those guys should make more than ELC CFL contracts anyhow.

P.S. Things might improve once the AAF fantasy and gambling aspects get more traction.
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: 3rdand1.5 on February 20, 2019, 06:20:52 PM
So this guy made just over a Billion dollars, that's impressive and a very rare accomplishment. He must have some idea how to manage money...but...1 billion dollars will evaporate very quickly buying things like NHL franchises that were not doing well and AAF leagues loosing money, sure a billion dollars seems like it will last forever and be extremely hard to burn through but this one purchase that one can safely assume he will lose.... is a quarter of his estimated net worth.

To put it into perspective its like someone with a $500,000 net worth (a very realistic net worth) deciding they really like a bowling alley that is loosing money and they decide to invest $125,000 into it and become the chairman...that's a big loss if/when they lose that investment. Make two or three choices like that and before you know it you are....
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: The Zipp on February 20, 2019, 07:20:25 PM
Quote from: 3rdand1.5 on February 20, 2019, 06:20:52 PM
So this guy made just over a Billion dollars, that's impressive and a very rare accomplishment. He must have some idea how to manage money...but...1 billion dollars will evaporate very quickly buying things like NHL franchises that were not doing well and AAF leagues loosing money, sure a billion dollars seems like it will last forever and be extremely hard to burn through but this one purchase that one can safely assume he will lose.... is a quarter of his estimated net worth.

To put it into perspective its like someone with a $500,000 net worth (a very realistic net worth) deciding they really like a bowling alley that is loosing money and they decide to invest $125,000 into it and become the chairman...that's a big loss if/when they lose that investment. Make two or three choices like that and before you know it you are....

I don't think he is actually handing over a bag o $250M.  Like you say he is smart and will have some protection.  There will be layers of tax implications etc etc.  Stuff we can't even dream about unless you have an army of lawyers and accountants.    This won't be transferred from his personal savings account via online banking..it will be holding companies and spin offs etc etc
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: blue_or_die on February 20, 2019, 07:34:36 PM
Quote from: The Zipp on February 20, 2019, 07:20:25 PM
I don't think he is actually handing over a bag o $250M.  Like you say he is smart and will have some protection.  There will be layers of tax implications etc etc.  Stuff we can't even dream about unless you have an army of lawyers and accountants.    This won't be transferred from his personal savings account via online banking..it will be holding companies and spin offs etc etc

Don't you just e-transfer the hundreds of millions from your ScotiaBank "Getting There" savings account whenever you make a major pro sport franchise transaction? That's usually what I do, I mean.
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: Leroy on February 20, 2019, 11:28:16 PM
Quote from: 3rdand1.5 on February 20, 2019, 06:20:52 PM
So this guy made just over a Billion dollars, that's impressive and a very rare accomplishment. He must have some idea how to manage money...but...1 billion dollars will evaporate very quickly buying things like NHL franchises that were not doing well and AAF leagues loosing money, sure a billion dollars seems like it will last forever and be extremely hard to burn through but this one purchase that one can safely assume he will lose.... is a quarter of his estimated net worth.

To put it into perspective its like someone with a $500,000 net worth (a very realistic net worth) deciding they really like a bowling alley that is loosing money and they decide to invest $125,000 into it and become the chairman...that's a big loss if/when they lose that investment. Make two or three choices like that and before you know it you are....

He is trash

Predatory sub prime lender.

According to media stories
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: The Zipp on February 20, 2019, 11:54:24 PM
Quote from: blue_or_die on February 20, 2019, 07:34:36 PM
Don't you just e-transfer the hundreds of millions from your ScotiaBank "Getting There" savings account whenever you make a major pro sport franchise transaction? That's usually what I do, I mean.

More of a CU by phone guy myself...to transfer press 1...
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: VictorRomano on February 21, 2019, 02:58:12 PM
I like having the AAF around.  Gives me someone to mock until the CFL season starts up again and I can mock the Argos and Riders.
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: GCn19 on February 21, 2019, 07:18:53 PM
According to the Washington Post the AAF has 102 million dollar salary commitment for players each year. Couple that with the operating expenses outside of player salaries and it doesn't take a genius to figure out that Dundon's 250 million might last a year.
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: ichabod_crane on February 21, 2019, 11:08:36 PM
Briefly watched the opening game while channel surfing. Looked like a pre-season game! From the beginning when they announced this league never thought this would fly despite all those trying to pump it up. Maybe these owners are hoping the NFL buys them out to serve as feeder/farm teams is all I can think of.
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: theaardvark on February 22, 2019, 05:17:45 PM
Quote from: ichabod_crane on February 21, 2019, 11:08:36 PM
Briefly watched the opening game while channel surfing. Looked like a pre-season game! From the beginning when they announced this league never thought this would fly despite all those trying to pump it up. Maybe these owners are hoping the NFL buys them out to serve as feeder/farm teams is all I can think of.

From the start, this was supposed to be a development league for the NFL, without any NFL ties.  The hope, obviously, was to eventually sell to the NFL after proving its worth.  The entire game I watched, they consistently repeated the "need for development for OLine and QB prospects, who never get enough reps in practice and never get any live reps."

Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: GOLDMEMBER on February 25, 2019, 02:25:16 AM
Watching the San Antonio at San Diego game. NOBODY, in attendance. This won?t survive.

Less people there than an Argo game!

NFL network can?t even get the production right.
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: TecnoGenius on February 25, 2019, 07:09:59 AM
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on February 25, 2019, 02:25:16 AM
Watching the San Antonio at San Diego game. NOBODY, in attendance. This won?t survive.

Less people there than an Argo game!

NFL network can?t even get the production right.

The Orlando game on Sat seemed much better attended (from the shots on TV).  I'd say easily 18k+?  It looks like some venues are getting decent crowds and some are BMO-field empty.

The Orlando game was pretty fun, actually had a game for a while.  And passes were being completed!  Long ones!  Good runs too.  The real suckage is on the lines.  Wow, OLs suck and DLs too.  And QBs are pretty bad.  They have a real hard time stopping the run on all teams it seems.  Penalty city too.

I'm starting to watch the San Diego game now.  We'll see how that one goes.

And ya, what's up with the garbage production?  This weekend I watched the 2010 "rouge game" ESPNC did a few days/weeks ago and the AAF game and everything about the 2010 GC production was better.  The AAF games seem like they are not even lit properly!!  And over-relying on the sky-cam.  How can a near-10 year old CFL production look better than a 2019 AAF production?  That's really sad.  Fortunately, it's fixable...
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: Pigskin on February 28, 2019, 04:36:00 PM
What a joke. They already have to be bailed out at a cost of $240 Million. Just think what the CFL could do with $240 million.
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: TecnoGenius on March 04, 2019, 11:37:28 AM
Watched all but the last bit of the 2 games (I get) this weekend.  The snow game reminded me of CFL.  They managed to get the air game going in the 2nd half.  Not too bad this weekend.  Some really good catches and rushes.  Some great stops and tackles (I liked the goal line stand).

I just wanted to comment that some of the big playmakers this weekend were ex-CFLers.  Funny how they stand out amongst what seems like all rookies.  K.Bass and Tyms were lighting it up.  Good for them.

Did Bass go because no one wanted him in CFL, or did he think the grass was going to be greener?  Same with Tyms... I thought Tyms showed some promise in the CFL.  I liked what they said about Tyms: one of the few people with both SB and GC rings.
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: blue_gold_84 on March 04, 2019, 02:47:18 PM
And now the league is giving away tickets: https://3downnation.com/2019/03/03/the-aaf-is-giving-away-tickets-with-fast-food-value-meals-now/ (https://3downnation.com/2019/03/03/the-aaf-is-giving-away-tickets-with-fast-food-value-meals-now/)

average attendance
week 1: 19,210
week 2: 19,624
week 3: 14,078

Should be interesting to see what happens in week 4.
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: theaardvark on March 04, 2019, 04:05:53 PM
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on March 04, 2019, 02:47:18 PM
And now the league is giving away tickets: https://3downnation.com/2019/03/03/the-aaf-is-giving-away-tickets-with-fast-food-value-meals-now/ (https://3downnation.com/2019/03/03/the-aaf-is-giving-away-tickets-with-fast-food-value-meals-now/)

average attendance
week 1: 19,210
week 2: 19,624
week 3: 14,078

Should be interesting to see what happens in week 4.


Wow... do those count as "paid" attendance?  I guess that any fannies in the seats are better than none... parking, concessions, etc... and making it easier for the TV crews to aviod empty seat shots...
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: GOLDMEMBER on March 04, 2019, 06:54:31 PM
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on March 04, 2019, 02:47:18 PM
And now the league is giving away tickets: https://3downnation.com/2019/03/03/the-aaf-is-giving-away-tickets-with-fast-food-value-meals-now/ (https://3downnation.com/2019/03/03/the-aaf-is-giving-away-tickets-with-fast-food-value-meals-now/)

average attendance
week 1: 19,210
week 2: 19,624
week 3: 14,078

Should be interesting to see what happens in week 4.

The end is very near for this league. I want a greasy burger now.
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: theaardvark on March 05, 2019, 05:19:13 PM
Sinkfeld released by the Apollos... 

So, these 3 year deals the AAF was all up about, the health care and pensions... what happens to released players?  Do the benefits stay?
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: TecnoGenius on March 06, 2019, 04:40:05 AM
Quote from: theaardvark on March 05, 2019, 05:19:13 PM
Sinkfeld released by the Apollos... 

Boy... that's gotta hurt when not only can't you get a job in the CFL, but you can't get a job in the AAF!!  Ouch.
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: GCn19 on March 06, 2019, 01:13:26 PM
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on March 04, 2019, 02:47:18 PM
And now the league is giving away tickets: https://3downnation.com/2019/03/03/the-aaf-is-giving-away-tickets-with-fast-food-value-meals-now/ (https://3downnation.com/2019/03/03/the-aaf-is-giving-away-tickets-with-fast-food-value-meals-now/)

average attendance
week 1: 19,210
week 2: 19,624
week 3: 14,078

Should be interesting to see what happens in week 4.


Week 4 average attendance was less than 10k. One game only had 6k. Brutal. Carl's Jr. may have to lower the cost of their happy meals to give away their tickets. This league will not survive beyond a year.
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: Blue In BC on March 11, 2019, 05:34:43 PM
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on March 04, 2019, 02:47:18 PM
And now the league is giving away tickets: https://3downnation.com/2019/03/03/the-aaf-is-giving-away-tickets-with-fast-food-value-meals-now/ (https://3downnation.com/2019/03/03/the-aaf-is-giving-away-tickets-with-fast-food-value-meals-now/)

average attendance
week 1: 19,210
week 2: 19,624
week 3: 14,078

Should be interesting to see what happens in week 4.


What are the numbers for week 4 and 5? Didn't see many people in this weekends games. They avoid showing the stands at all costs it seems. You get to see the near empty end zones on field goal attempts.
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: Stretch on March 11, 2019, 05:43:03 PM
Quote from: Blue In BC on March 11, 2019, 05:34:43 PM
What are the numbers for week 4 and 5?

From Reddit:

Week 4: 9,582
Week 5: 13,578
Season Average: 15,226
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: theaardvark on March 12, 2019, 01:41:05 PM
Have to wonder how many Happy Meal tickets are included... do they count as "sold" seats?  Or are those numbers actual turnstile figures?
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: TecnoGenius on March 14, 2019, 04:58:59 AM
Quote from: GCn18 on March 06, 2019, 01:13:26 PM
Week 4 average attendance was less than 10k. One game only had 6k. Brutal. Carl's Jr. may have to lower the cost of their happy meals to give away their tickets. This league will not survive beyond a year.

Quote from: theaardvark on March 12, 2019, 01:41:05 PM
Have to wonder how many Happy Meal tickets are included... do they count as "sold" seats?  Or are those numbers actual turnstile figures?

I'd almost guarantee the freebie tickets count as sold seats.  They probably sell them to the joints for 1c each or something token.  A sale's a sale.  And that's the only thing that can explain the higher week 5 numbers.

I watched both games I can PVR: 2 comments:

1. The caliber of play is improving.  QBs and WRs are doing better.  Games aren't just runs and underthrows anymore.  Lines are getting less sucky.  I found both games this weekend to be enjoyable.

2. Crowd size at some venues is still quite high.  The @San Diego game had at least as many people present as a BC game.  Maybe even a cold-weather WPG game.  Other venues it's crickets.

I think that was the game where one EZ was nearly full and the other EZ nearly empty.  I'll bet dollars to donuts that the full EZ seats were the meal freebies.  At least the Fleet gave them something to cheer about!

Bonus comment: That Fleet QB Bercovici reminded me so much of Streveler.  Not in physical size (Strev is much bigger), but in the throwing motion.  They both have this weird quick abbreviated throw, that I find quite odd.  Much more wrist action, and almost no follow through.  Yet it seems to work for them.  Maybe it's something in the new generation of QBs coming out of college?  Or maybe it's just them.
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: 66 Chevelle on March 18, 2019, 08:11:14 PM
the attendance isn't as bad as some think OVERALL, there are a couple of small markets, or not as much interest, in a couple of places but San Antonio is averaging over 28,000 fans per home game, 2 more teams are over 19,000 per, and only 1 team that has averaged less than 10,000 per game... Birmingham's attendance suffered 2 weeks in a row due to weather, tornado conditions one weekend plus cold and raining on both of those 2 dates, but they were getting over 17,000 before that...

what team besides the Riders in the CFL averages more than 28,000 per game?
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: theaardvark on March 18, 2019, 08:54:31 PM
Quote from: 66 Chevelle on March 18, 2019, 08:11:14 PM
the attendance isn't as bad as some think OVERALL, there are a couple of small markets, or not as much interest, in a couple of places but San Antonio is averaging over 28,000 fans per home game, 2 more teams are over 19,000 per, and only 1 team that has averaged less than 10,000 per game... Birmingham's attendance suffered 2 weeks in a row due to weather, tornado conditions one weekend plus cold and raining on both of those 2 dates, but they were getting over 17,000 before that...

what team besides the Riders in the CFL averages more than 28,000 per game?

OK, only 5 home games to get your year's budget from.  Salary this year is going to be about $3.5mil US$, or about the same as the CFL.  No TV contract (which basically covers the CFL player salary)

Plus all those fancy perc's of health, education and pension they bragged about.

So, they need to average more than CFL teams to even have a chance of breaking even...   way more... no wonder they needed a bailout in week 2...

Take San Antonio out of the mix and attendance stinks...

Attendance

Announced attendance figures for each home game. In the weekly columns, dashes (?) indicate away games, while bold font indicates the highest attendance of each team.
Team / Week    1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    10    Total    Average
San Antonio Commanders    27,857    29,176    ?    ?    ?    ?             ?    57,033    28,517
Orlando Apollos    20,191    ?    20,394    ?    ?    18,358    ?    ?          58,943    19,648
San Diego Fleet    ?    20,019    14,789    ?    20,823    20,986    ?    ?    ?       76,617    19,154
Birmingham Iron    17,039    17,319    ?    6,539    13,310    ?    ?       ?    ?    54,207    13,552
Memphis Express    ?    11,980    ?    13,621    ?    ?          ?       25,601    12,801
Atlanta Legends    ?    ?    10,717    ?    10,829    10,619       ?       ?    32,165    10,722
Arizona Hotshots    11,751    ?    ?    8,865    9,351    ?       ?       ?    29,967    9,989
Salt Lake Stallions    ?    ?    10,412    9,302    ?    8,150    ?       ?       27,864    9,288
Total    76,838    78,494    56,312    38,327    54,313    58,113                        362,397    
Average    19,210    19,624    14,078    9,582    13,578    14,528                             15,100

Updated through games of March 17, 2019.
Source: [6][7]
Title: Re: AAF a financial mess
Post by: Stretch on March 21, 2019, 03:43:45 PM
The AAAAAAAAAAF has moved it's championship game from Las Vegas to Texas (Dallas area).

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001023685/article/aaf-moving-championship-game-from-vegas-to-the-star