'96 Chronology-Mission Organization

 

'96 Chronology-Head Man

Event Date: February 14th, 1996

Event Description: Ralston Will Lead New Grid League

Source: Football News

SAN FRANCISCO -- John Ralston is back in professional football.

Today, it was announced Ralston had been named commissioner of the fledgling All American Football League. Terms of his agreement were not disclosed except that he had signed a two-year deal.

“I'm happy to be back in pro football,” Ralston said at the news conference announcing his signing.

Ralston grew up in Oakland, played football at the University of Califorina and served as head coach at Stanford for nine years, leading the Cardinals to Rose Bowl victories in 1971 and 1972. He left Stanford to serve as head coach and general manager of the Denver Broncos. 

Ralston has also coached in the USFL and Canadian league with Toronto. In more recent years, he served as head coach of the San Jose State Spartans.

The new league is still in the process of confirming its final lineup of eight cities. However, it has been confirmed that clubs will be based in Memphis, Birmingham, San Antonio, and most likely Houston. The league has also received applications from ownership groups in Miami, Las Vegas, Oakland, New Orleans, Shreveport, and Portland.

The former Canadian based teams will also have to deal with the process of renewing and securing player contracts as many players became free agents on January 1st.

'96 Chronology-Inception

Event Date: February 12th, 1996

Event Description: Vataha Announces New Grid League

Source: Football Report

The All American Football League, an entity born after the demise of the American based teams from the Canadian Football League, was unveiled yesterday with plans to begin play in eight cities this year.

“We've taken football and put it into a corporate structure. That's something nobody has done before,” said Randy Vataha, the Boston based businessman who is putting the league together with the aid of former USFL founder David Dixon, as well as owners from the now defunct CFL-USA franchises.

“We will be a single-entity structure -- everything is controlled through the league office and we'll have a revenue-sharing program. If we draw 20,000 a game, we can break even just on ticket sales.” 

A.A.F.L. franchises have been approved for Memphis, Birmingham, Houston, New Orleans and San Antonio. Each franchise will have a strict budget and salary cap. The average salary in the league is expected to be around $45,000. 

In addition, the AAFL plans to utilize a regional concept in allocating players, so that college stars can play close to the area in which they attended school.

John Ralston, a former NFL and USFL head coach and executive who will serve as the league commissioner, said "ownership groups are in place in the Bay Area and Miami, with two other applicants waiting for final approval."

“We will play in mostly warm weather markets that want football based on American-style rules and that have a yearning for professional football,' said Art Williams, owner of the Birmingham Barracudas franchise.

Also committing to the new league were Jim Speros owner of the Stallions franchise, Steve Ehrhart president of the Memphis club, and Fred Anderson formerly of the WLAF and CFL. 

more to come......

'96 Chronology-Forging Ahead

Event Date: February 3rd,  1996

Event Description: Williams and Speros Planning New League 

Source: Birmingham Daily Ledger

BIRMINGHAM, AL— Following the cessation of their Canadian Football League (CFL) franchise rights, Art Williams and Jim Speros, owners of the Birmingham Barracudas and Stallions, announce their commitment to launch a new U.S. based football league. 

The duo did not offer any specifics, other than the new league would consist of teams that had previously been connected to the Canadian Football League over the course of the past few seasons. Further details about the new league will be revealed in the coming weeks.

AAFL Chronology-Termination Letter

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Event Date: February 1st, 1996

Event Description: CFL Terminates American Teams

Source: VCFL

Canadian Football League Announces Termination of USA-Based Teams

[Toronto, Canada – February 1st, 1996] — The Canadian Football League (CFL) regrets to announce the termination of its USA-based teams, effective immediately. This decision, made after careful consideration and evaluation, marks the end of an ambitious chapter in CFL history. The league expresses its deepest gratitude to the players, staff, and fans who have supported these teams during their tenure in the CFL.

Despite the termination of these teams, the CFL remains steadfast in its dedication to the sport of Canadian football. The league will continue to focus on its core strengths, including its passionate fan base, talented athletes, and rich football heritage. The CFL is confident that by refocusing its efforts, it can build a strong and sustainable future for Canadian football.

The CFL extends its gratitude to the players, coaches, and administrative staff who have been a part of the USA-based teams. Their dedication and contributions have been instrumental in the growth of the league and the sport as a whole. The CFL is committed to supporting these individuals as they transition to new opportunities within the football community.

The league also expresses its sincere appreciation to the fans who supported the USA-based teams. Your enthusiasm and passion have been a source of inspiration, and the CFL values your continued support as it moves forward.

About the Canadian Football League (CFL)

The Canadian Football League is a professional sports league in Canada. The CFL is committed to providing thrilling football action, fostering a strong sense of community, and promoting the values of sportsmanship and teamwork. With a rich history spanning over a century, the CFL continues to be a beloved institution in Canadian sports.

more to come......