The National Arena League (NAL) announced the expulsion of the Albany Empire due to unmet financial obligations. The team's ownership, under former NFL star Antonio Brown, reportedly failed to pay league-mandated assessments, leading to the termination of their membership. This abrupt end comes mere months after Brown acquired the team, marking a tumultuous and short-lived tenure in the same city where his father once shone.
The league's statement detailed the Empire's failure to pay monthly assessments contributing to the league's operating budget, starting in April. While Brown initially paid the April assessment, the May payment was missed and the April payment was later disputed and credited back to Brown. The league attempted to resolve the issue through Brown's accountant, who indicated Brown's unwillingness to pay the assessments or a separate $1,000 fine for conduct detrimental to the league. After setting a payment deadline, which was not met, the NAL board of owners unanimously voted to terminate the Empire's membership.
The Empire's 1-6 record reflects a challenging season on the field, compounded by the off-field financial issues. Following the news, Brown tweeted "Major league not minors," hinting at his perspective on the situation. The team's expulsion marks an unceremonious end to Brown's ownership, which began with much fanfare in March.
