ABOUT THE AAL DRAFT
The 2026 AAL Draft is the official league-run player selection process for the American Arena League and its developmental division, AAL2.
This inaugural draft establishes a formal pathway for eligible players to be evaluated, selected, and assigned to participating teams for the upcoming season.
This is not a tryout.
This is a professional draft.
WHEN & WHERE
WHEN:
April 19TH, 2026
11:00am
WHERE:
The Beck Center
1801 Box Road
Columbus, Georgia
TEAM ELIGIBLE TO DRAFT
The following AAL teams are qualified to participate in the 2026 Draft:
• Columbus Lions
• Wheeling Miners
• Mississippi Wolfpack
• Jersey Bearcats
All AAL2 teams with players who have applied and been approved for draft eligibility are also eligible to participate.
PLAYER ELIGIBILITY
Who Can Enter the Draft
Players must meet all eligibility requirements to be considered:
• Not currently under contract with any participating AAL team
• Have formally declared draft eligibility
• Completed all required draft documentation
• Paid the $15 draft entrance fee
Eligibility is reviewed and approved by the league.
DRAFT PROCESS
How the Draft Works
• The 2026 draft is the inaugural year
• Round 1 will be determined by random selection, announced by the Commissioner
• Rounds 2–4 will follow a snake-style draft
• Total selections: 16 picks
Draft Timing
• Each team has 5 minutes per selection
• Failure to select within the allotted time results in forfeiture of that pick
• A forfeited pick may result in a compensatory pick at the end of the draft
• A second missed selection results in forfeiture without compensation
PLAYER RIGHTS &
RESPONSIBILITIES
Drafted Players
• Drafted players’ rights are immediately assigned to the drafting team
• Drafted players do not attend tryouts
• Drafted players report directly to their assigned team’s camp
• Players must report as directed or face league suspension for that season
Once in camp, drafted players compete for an active roster spot
ROSTER STATUS & RELEASES
• Drafted players released by their original team become eligible to sign with other AAL teams
• Players not signed after Week 2 may be placed on a reserve/non-active roster
• A player may be reactivated no more than twice per season
• A second return to non-active status ends eligibility for reactivation that season
TRADES
Trading Draft Picks
• Draft pick trading is allowed for the 2026 draft year only
• Teams may trade picks or players after selection, if mutually agreed upon
REGISTRATION
What You’ll Need
• Personal & contact information
• Playing experience (college/pro)
• Film or highlight link (recommended)
• Height, weight, and position
• Agreement to league terms and conditions