As you rise through the ranks in high school or college, everyone wants to go pro… But not many get the chance. Sometimes it’s not going pro, sometimes it’s building a franchise from the ground up and giving others the opportunity to live out said dreams.
We had the chance to sit down with Charles Winters, the head coach and owner of the Ohio Legends of the AAL2, and get a look inside the buildup. You might be asking yourself, “AAL2? Aren’t they developmental?”
Well, you would be right. Ohio, similar to Mississippi and Jersey in 2025, is functioning like a pro-level franchise. Many teams claim to be “Pro,” but what does that really look like?
Table of Contents
Ohio Legends Steps to Success
The first thing needed to succeed is a plan. The early days of a franchise can be pivotal to the longevity and short-term success of any franchise. During the conversation with the owner/head coach, a fairly detailed plan was laid out. Here is a look at the plan, equipment setup, and outlook that will go into building the one and only Ohio Legends.
Planning
The Legends began in 2025 as a UIFA squad playing like your typical AAL2 or developmental team, in a soccerplex. The rest of the year was spent as an independent playing other lower-level teams and then in the SIF or Spring Indoor Football. They would go on to win the SIF Championship over the Ohio Blitz, 21-12.
In late 2025, they would be accepted to play in the highest and most stable developmental league in the country, the AAL2. That point forward set in motion the idea of turning the franchise into something more. The 2026 reboot of the AAL offers many lower-level teams the ability to grow and, if everything is in line, move up. The reboot was a big part of what inspired the regearing of Ohio.
The “Wheeling Method” was a center point of a bit of the conversation. The Wheeling method refers to the way the Wheeling Miners moved up, competing in the AAL2 (and Dominating) in 2024. The Miners spent the 2024 AAL2 season playing at Wesbanco Arena, functioning as a pro team in the lead-up to launching in the NAL. This allowed the franchise a bit of a run-way season to work out any issues and pick up talent along the way. As you’ll find later on, Ohio’s plan is almost a mirror image.
The glaring difference is that they won’t have as high a cost or complication of moving up to the NAL, as the AAL is more regional, owner-centric, and cost-friendly. Making the venture cost-effective is a big point of emphasis; this isn’t a “wing it” situation. Every move will be calculated, and every plan implemented will have backing or a way for it to pay for itself, according to Winters. The coming weeks will see Winters and his staff meet with possible sponsorship, get a game plan for the arena, and bring in turf. Leading us into other key details.
Ohio Legends’ Arena
The Indoor football media landscape has seen a good bit of reposts and opinions on the biggest move, a move up to an arena. What arena exactly? Well, Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Marion, Ohio. As seen on Legends’ socials they have recently toured and signed with the Veterans Memorial Coliseum for the 2026 season on a one-year deal with an option for more. The path to find a suitable arena was no small task.
After a while of Winters and his team looking and calling, V.M.C. seemed like a solid option in a region starved of the sport. Overall, the arena is a good fit for a building franchise. The City of Marion is even giving input and consulting on how to make indoor ball work in VMC. Special thanks to Jill Chitwood for the tireless help and consulting. This particular arena does have a history of indoor football, most recently the Marion Blue Racers of the CIFL. The arena does come with its challenges, but nothing that the legends’ front office doesn’t welcome.
Turf & Dasher Boards
The Turf will be used, but well-conditioned, previously played on by a franchise that was short-lived and didn’t do much to break it in. This by itself will give a much more of a high end feel to gameday. We are not at liberty to say which past team it is coming from, but keep your eyes on socials.
The Dasher boards are the main challenge; the walls in VMC are a bit taller than your standard walls you would find in a hockey arena. Winters made it clear that he, his staff, and the aforementioned City of Marion would be working together to ensure safety. Several people around the area are also giving input. No doubt it will incur more cost and a good bit of extra padding, but all in all, safety is the goal. The Legends recently posted a video of checking out the arena. We will link it below so you can see for yourself.
Ohio Legends Outlook for 2026 and Beyond
If all goes well, you will most likely see a very successful campaign by Ohio in the 2026 AAL2 North, paired with a deep playoff run or championship. If money is right and the proof of viability is shown, they will make the jump to the AAL. The surrounding area seems to have a good bit of interest in the team. According to Winters, the Chamber of Commerce is planning a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the team.
Even more unique is the ability of Winters to bring in and incorporate his business, an Herbal Life franchise, and use it to help with the team and player nutrition. The plan is to have it on hand and in town for any staff or athletes to utilize. It won’t be the only stream of revenue; a game time and online Team Shop will be set up for fans to grab a variety of gear, as well as the planned sponsorship.
Overall, the future looks bright for Ohio. “We want to build this, and build it the right way,” was mentioned numerous times. Even the most cold-hearted fan, scarred by years of folding and heartbreak, could have fallen in love with what Winters and his front office are doing in the underserved market. Ultimately, the Ohio Legends will be a “franchise of opportunity” no matter the level or league. This spring, don’t forget to show some love to the up-and-comers; you can catch games on shady sports! In 2026 and Beyond. Be Legendary!
Shout Out to the Ohio Legends
A special thanks to Coach and Owner Charles Winters, Owner and Offensive Coordinator Tyrone Cherry, Team President Guy Lee, General Manager Molly, and Brandon Henderson
If you want to check out one of the 2026 Ohio Legends players, click on the AAL2 Player Spotlight linked Below
- Ohio Legends on The Rise for 2026
- The Arena League Announces 2 More General Managers
- Two More UFL Assistant Coaches Named for 2026
- 2026 IFL Player Spotlight Chima Dunga
- NFL’s Black Monday Results in Several More Firings
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