Albany Firebirds' Season Opener Disrupted by Orlando Predators' Expulsion

Predators' Expulsion: A Sudden Turn of Events

On February 24, 2025, AF1 announced the termination of the Orlando Predators' league membership. The decision came after Predators' owner, John Cheney, informed league officials of his intention to withdraw the team from the upcoming season to facilitate its sale. The league condemned this move as a "betrayal of the fans of Orlando and fans of Arena Football," citing it as a self-serving act that undermines the league's integrity.

This expulsion is particularly significant as the Predators are the second team in a month to be removed from AF1. Earlier, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Mavericks also withdrew, echoing the instability that plagued the 2024 Arena Football League (AFL) season, during which eight teams folded.

Impact on the Firebirds' Schedule

The Firebirds were slated to commence their season on March 14 with an away game against the Predators. With Orlando's expulsion, Albany's new season opener is scheduled for March 21 at home against the Southwest Kansas Storm. This adjustment not only affects the team's preparation but also raises logistical challenges, including rescheduling and potential financial implications.

Additionally, the Firebirds had two more games planned against the Predators in the latter part of the season. The league is expected to revise the schedule to address these gaps, aiming to minimize disruption for the remaining teams.

Reactions from the Firebirds' Leadership

Firebirds' team president, Jeff Levack, expressed disappointment over the Predators' sudden withdrawal but reaffirmed the team's commitment to its fans and the league. "The Firebirds stand by our commitment to our fans, sponsors, community, and league," Levack stated. "We believe in the vision and leadership of the AF1 and look forward to competing for the AF1 championship in 2025 and years ... ."

Broader Implications for AF1

The consecutive expulsions of teams before the season's start have cast a shadow over AF1's inaugural season. The league's leadership, including chairman Steve Titus, has expressed frustration and concern over these developments. "This is a staggering betrayal of trust ... Titus remarked regarding the Predators' owner. "We are going to continue forward with ... ."

The league has indicated that fines will be levied ... to recoup losses and is exploring all avenues to ensure these debts are satisfied. AF1 now faces the challenge of maintaining credibility and stability as it navigates these early setbacks.

Looking Ahead

As the Firebirds adjust to their revised schedule, the focus shifts to their home opener against the Southwest Kansas Storm on March 21. The team aims to capitalize on the home-field advantage to set a positive tone for the season. Fans and stakeholders alike will be watching closely to see how AF1 addresses these challenges and strives to deliver a competitive and stable arena football experience.