All News

The American Arena League is proud to announce the selection order of our 2026 draft. Selected at random for Season 1, in future seasons, the order will be determined based on the win-loss record per Commissioner Kevin O'Hanlon. The draft will be a “snake” style draft. The team that picks last in the first round picks first in the second, and so on. Here is your 2026 selection order: Columbus Lions Mississippi Wolfpack Wheeling Miners Jersey Bearcats Columbus, you are officia

Wheeling Miners Announce Chris McKinney as New Head Coach Wheeling, WV — The Wheeling Miners are proud to announce the hiring of Chris McKinney as the organization’s new Head Coach, bringing a proven championship résumé and more than a decade of professional indoor football experience to the Miners franchise. Coach McKinney has coached at nearly every level of professional indoor football, earning multiple championships, Coach of the Year honors, and a reputation as a dynamic

COLUMBUS, GA – The Columbus Lions are proud to stand alongside WTVM, Hope Harbour, and community partners in support of the WTVM Blanket Drive, an annual initiative dedicated to providing warmth and care to those in need during the winter season. This year’s drive was led by Columbus Lions partner Jennifer Beck, whose leadership and commitment to service helped rally the community around a simple but powerful mission: ensuring that no one faces the cold without comfort or sup

Successful Business Owner & Coach Secures Top Front Office Role with Lions COLUMBUS, GA – The Columbus Lions are proud to announce local business owner, coach, and leader Corry Black has been named the Columbus Lions’ new General Manager. Black currently is the Dean of Scholars at Emmanuel Prep School of Math and Science here in Columbus, a role as he leads a Pre-K–8th grade preparatory school where he mentors and develops young scholars. Black will also continue the role as

Arena Football Returns to the Jungle COLUMBUS, GA –  The Columbus Lions have made a number of announcements moving towards the 2026 season this offseason. Most recently the named local Business Owner Roger Beck as the team’s Majority Owner earlier this month. This week the Columbus Lions announce the full release of their 2026 schedule. This year the Lions will play in the American Arena League where they will face familiar foes like the Wheeling Miners. This season the Lions

November 17, 2025 — Matawan, NJ: The American Arena League (AAL) has officially released its 2026 season schedule, featuring a full slate of high-energy matchups beginning April 16–18 and running through June 20. The season opens with key home games for the Jersey Bearcats, Columbus Lions, and Mississippi Wolfpack, while the Wheeling Miners enter the season coming off an early BYE. Rivalry games and playoff-impact matchups highlight the spring schedule, including Bearcats vs.

Beck Ready to Lead the Lions into the Future COLUMBUS, GA –  The Columbus Lions officially introduced the team’s new Majority Owner Roger Beck, a Columbus, GA native and successful Georgia business owner who passion for football has well recognized in our local region. Beck, a notable supporter of local high school football, looks to steer the direction of the Columbus Lions professional arena football team beginning today as he spoke to the media the Lions press conference a

Five-Time League Champions Eye New Opportunities COLUMBUS, GA –  The Columbus Lions, founded in 2006 prepare to celebrate their 20th Year as an arena football franchise where they have played every single season in “The Jungle” home of the Lions also known as the Columbus Civic Center located in Columbus, GA. Last season the Lions played in the National Arena League, as one of the founding member teams. Columbus (6-4) finished the 2025 season as a top four team, appearing in

This move marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our organization. Following the recent departure of several key players, as well as our General Manager and Head Coach, we are entering a rebuilding phase focused on re-establishing our identity both on and off the field. The AAL is a competitive, professional league that allows us to remain true to the high standard our fans expect—while also creating more opportunities for growth with more home games, less travel,

With the AAL being under new ownership, its under a TOTAL rebrand to rebuild the brand loyalty. The AAL will kick off both its AAL and...

Tony Zeifiretto Leaves The American Arena League “The league officially concluded it's 2021 season on June 5, 2021 and the new owners...

New Owners AJ Roque and Jermaine Sanders announced the appointment of Kevin O' Hanlon as the new commissioner of the New AAL to lead off...

MEETING THE NEED STAY TUNED FOR MORE EXCLUSIVE INFORMATION ON THE AAL 2