The American Arena League will kick off this week for the first time since the collapse of the original AAL in 2021. While it shares a name with the old league the overall function will be different. We at Shady Sports realized that it may cause confusion having the AAL and AAL2, along with the entire landscape of the sport being fairly saturated. The following is a mix of a quick reference guide and a season preview to get the new fan acquainted and seasoned fans caught up.
Table of Contents
What is the American Arena League?
The reboot version of the American Arena League for the 2026 season is to be a four-team professional league. All of the teams in the AAL will be well-funded, well-run franchises with home arenas. Those teams are the following:
Columbus LIons
Wheeling MIners
Jersey Bearcats
Mississippi Wolfpack
The purpose of reforming the AAL is simple, all of these teams needed and wanted to play in a suitable, sustainable, and most importantly regional setup that gives the opportunity to build rather than spending their way into being defunct. If you take Wheeling or Columbus last season it was a major strain on both financially and functionally trying to fly or bus across the country for the majority of the season.
If any team at this level of the sport attempts this it inevitably leads to disaster no matter the ownership or backing. All the teams that you will see play this season get the opportunity to play a home schedule well beyond the 3 home league games while maintaining the legitimacy of a stable league with established ownership.
How is it different from the AAL2?
All due respect to the AAL2 and the excellent job AJ Roque has done with the league, but this is an entirely different level of arena football. This is professional football with pay set for each player, most of the league even functions with full or partial housing for players. Not only this but they will receive the same level of treatment and care (medically etc.) that you would find in any other league.
The AAL2 on the other hand is a full developmental league that mostly plays in practice and soccer facilities. The American Arena League Two also serves as the minor league to the American Arena League, the AAL even having a draft of AAL2 players. Don’t be fooled by the developmental tag on the AA2, it has been used as a launching pad into pro ball by every team in this league not including Columbus.
Don’t Miss the Draft!
The draft is exceptionally unique for the arena game, and to our knowledge has never been done before. The way it will work for the AAL is even more unique, as it takes place two weeks into the AAL2 season, and just after the beginning of the AAL season. This draft inst intended to find the next season’s talent instead of being a way to cull talent from the AAL2 and allow guys to prove themselves at the next level.
The roster spots aren’t a sure thing, once these players are drafted keeping the spot is up to their hard work and dedication. The draft will take place on April 19th. There will be a full stream of the Draft produced by Shady Sports from Columbus.The order can be seen below; it is a snake-style draft. Check out the socials for progressing details and the 5th Quarter Podcast for a bit of a preview.
Rule Set:
If you’re a new fan, there are two main rule sets across arena and indoor football. Arena Rules and Indoor Rules. With the main difference being on defense, the number of high-motion men that can be used, and for arena rules, the nets. The AAL will use arena rules for Offense and Defense.
You’ll only ever see one man in high motion before the snap, and all restrictions on the defense you have seen in leagues like the original Arena Football League will be in place. The only thing that will differ is special teams. Having a similar kicking setup to how the IFL and NAL manage kickoffs and field goals.
One major difference is the Gold Ball, which is essentially a double-point drive if a team is down by 14 points or more. We have linked a video below explaining the rule from a former Lions QB.
Abbreviated Team Previews:
Full-length team previews including rosters and full coaching staffs will be available on the American Arena League website in partnership with Shady Sports Network. Those will give you a much more in-depth look at the teams and what to expect from each. This is more meant to give even the most casual fan the ability to get familiar with the American Arena League landscape.
Columbus Lions
Website: https://www.columbuslions.com/
Established:2006
2025 League/Record: NAL 5-6
Last Championship: 2024 AIF
Location: Columbus. GA
Home Arena/Capacity: Columbus Civic Center (9100)
Owner: Rodger Beck
Head Coach: Damian Daniels
2026 Outlook:
The Lions are celebrating their 20th season as a franchise by starting something brand new. Columbus and Wheeling lead the charge on AAL reboot, but it’s far from the only upgrade the Lions made this offseason. When you catch a stream or make a trip to a game you’ll see brand new turf and an overall upgrade to the game day experience.
After Beck took over as majority owner in the offseason its been nothing but upgrades. The on-field product will look similar to last year, with Columbus stacking the roaster per usual. This is the class of the AAL on and off the field and it will show as we get into the season.
Mississippi Wolfpack
Website:https://www.mswolfpackfootball.com/teams/?u=MISSISSIPPIWOLFPACK&s=football
Established:2025
2025 League/Record: AAL2 9-2
Last Championship: 2025 AAL2
Location: Batesville, MS
Home Arena/Capacity: Tunica Arena and Events Center (9100)
Owner: Eddie Strong
Head Coach: Eddie Strong
2026 Outlook:
The 2025 AAL2 Champions are bringing something back to the Magnolia State that has sorely missed a Pro Arena team to cheer for. Eddie Strong and company have done a fantastic job of proving to the local community that they are here for the long run. Sources tell us that this team, despite some adversity, is quickly becoming a well-tuned unit.
This roster reads part AAL2 All-Star team, part veteran experienced. This, paired with a coaching staff that has seen every level of arena ball. gives this already gritty team even more of an edge heading into their AAL debut. The identity of this team will without a doubt be downhill and hard-nosed, even with the arena rule set. Locals should already feel the hype, we can’t emphasize enough the expectations we have for the Wolfpack.
Jersey Bearcats
Website: https://www.jerseybearcatsfootball.com/
Established:2018
2025 League/Record: AAL2
Last Championship: 2023 AAL2
Location: Roselle NJ
Home Arena/Capacity: Warinanco Sports Center (n/a)
Owner: AJ Roque
Head Coach: AJ Roque
Any franchise at this level led by AJ Roque is one you can trust will be around. He has led this team without major issues since 2018 and will continue on the path. As a head coach, owner, and commissioner he will always have his ducks in a row. The 2026 version of the Bearcats draws most of its talent from a very undervalued and underutilized region, the North East.
This lends itself to finding plenty of overlooked talent, Developing that untapped talent is and will always be an earmark of the Bearcats. The QB position is a pivotal one in any form of the game. With Matteo Rodriguez behind center, you can rest assured that it won’t be a position they lack. The Bearcats have set a standard, and you can rest assured that it will show, especially down the long stretch of the season. They will be a well-oiled machine that will give any AAL team all they want, and crush any AAL2 team that gets in their way.
Wheeling Miners
Website: https://gowvminers.com/
Established: 2024
2025 League/Record: NAL 4-6
Last Championship: 2024 AAL2
Location: Wheeling, WV
Home Arena/Capacity: Wesbanco Arena (5400)
Owner: Chris Duffy
Head Coach: Chris McKinney
Joining the relaunching American Arena League (AAL) in 2026, the Miners enter the season with a refreshed coaching staff and a roster that blends experienced leadership with emerging talent. With playmakers on offense, a physical defensive presence, and the versatility that arena football demands, Wheeling is positioned to be a serious contender.
After experiencing both dominance and adversity early in their existence, the Miners now look to turn that experience into another championship run. its refreshing to see this franchise move on from the turmoil brought on in the off-season. It’s a tight league that will see a close finish, but we expect Wheeling to at the very least be one of the final two.
Written By:Shane Majoris
American Arena League 2
We didn’t put out a full league preview on the AAL2 this season, but the following is a few highlights from the offseason, a full rundown on the American Arena League Two teams, and the Week 2 of its season
AAL2 News
Standings
Ohio Legends find Arena for 2026
In a move we covered in the offseason the Ohio Legends managed to find a suitable arena in time for the 2026 season. This is a move we have seen out of previous teams looking to move up to the pro ranks, and even two in the AAL, Wheeling and Mississippi. The arena they are in has supported arena football in the past and will be a suitable home.
According to Waters, the team owner, a move up is the ultimate goal. Definitely keep tabs on them and their journey, they are well organized and very talented. We are all curious about the setup and how the community will respond going into their first home game. If you want to know more about the venue and get caught up check out our off-season coverage of the Legends HERE
Legion Delay to 2027
In a bit of sad news we regret to inform you, if you have not already discovered that the legion will not be playing in 2027. The team was set up for success in 2026 but venue issues very close to the beginning of the season will see them push out. While you never want to see this happen, the added runway to the inaugural kickoff may work out well in the long run. We can’t help but highlight the prompt response from AAL2 leadership with the short window to work things out,
Who will be the New Champion?
With Mississippi and Jersey out, who will we see raise the trophy at the end? If we are being honest with you, we have no idea. This season is setting itself up to be the best on record. You have traditional powers such as Peach State and Carolina in the South that will without a doubt be one of the top 6. While at the same time seeing new teams, such as the legends pop up looking to take it all. It’s about as wide open as you could ask for. The only thing we can know for certain is that the AAL2 will, like it always has, have a new champion in 2026
New Weekly AAL Content
If you are always keeping up with shady sports you know that we had All-American Rundown this season before ending the series. Shady Sports is fully behind the American Arena League and with that in mind decided that both the AAL and AAL2 needed a dedicated piece on the two each week. So for the entirety of both seasons, we will be bringing you Everything AAL. It will highlight all the action we see across the American Arena League, scores and highlights from the AAL2 and so much more.
Final Thoughts
Overall it’s set to be a fun relaunch for the AAL and another year of stable easy-to-watch football out of the AAL2. If you want to know anything about AAL or AAL2, Shady Sports is the place for it. No matter the way you choose to consume media they have it. Shady Sports hosts several podcasts on Indoor football, AAL, AAL2, and even some specific AAL2 teams. Keep watching, reading, and sharing. If you took your time to read this entire preview, you’re our kinda fan, and if so check out Around the Indoor Football World on Saturday at 7 AM!
Give Away
We are currently doing a giveaway to win a piece of Sioux Falls Storm turf that the team once used in games. There is now a second way to enter. Donate any amount of money to Sammy Strong Foundation, take a screenshot of the “Thank You for Donating to Sammy Strong” image after your donation and send it to us at any social media platform to automatically enter to win.
https://givebutter.com/SammyStrong26
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