BSG Officially Announces Launch of the Alliance Football League (AFL) Beginning in 2028
The Alliance Football League, officially known as the AFL, is proud to announce its planned launch for the 2028 season as a new professional developmental football league focused on stability, professionalism, player opportunity, and long-term growth.
Founded under the leadership of J.R. Robinson and Blueblacks Sports Group, the AFL is being developed with a completely different approach than many traditional startup football leagues. The league’s mission is to create a sustainable and professionally operated football platform built around strong ownership standards, community engagement, financial accountability, and high-level game-day presentation.
“The Alliance Football League is not being built for short-term hype,” said J.R. Robinson, Chairman & CEO of Blueblacks Sports Group. “We are building a league designed for long-term sustainability with professional standards, financially stable ownership groups, and a structure that creates real opportunities for players, coaches, staff members, and local communities.”
The AFL plans to operate under NFL-style football rules and organizational standards while implementing league-wide requirements designed to strengthen the overall professionalism and legitimacy of the league. All prospective ownership groups interested in joining the AFL will undergo a formal vetting and approval process prior to being awarded a franchise.
As part of the league’s ownership structure, the AFL will require:
- A $5,000 expansion fee for new ownership groups
- A $2,500 annual league operations fee
- Submission of financial statements and proof of operating capital
- Venue agreements or letters of intent
- Organizational and ownership verification documentation
League officials state these requirements are designed to ensure long-term franchise stability and eliminate many of the operational challenges commonly seen throughout startup professional football leagues.
The AFL will also require all member organizations to secure suitable stadium facilities that meet minimum league standards, including quality playing surfaces, locker room access for both teams, fan seating accommodations, and professional game-day operations capabilities.
In addition, the league plans to introduce a collaborative revenue-sharing system aimed at strengthening league-wide sustainability. Under the proposed model, home teams would share 10% of ticket revenue with visiting teams to help offset travel expenses and support overall franchise stability across the league.
Player operations and professionalism will also remain a major focus for the AFL. The league plans to implement a $10 player registration fee to support player eligibility processing, insurance administration, compliance systems, and centralized player databases. League leadership also intends to establish operational standards regarding branding, staffing, officiating, uniforms, marketing, and community involvement to ensure a professional experience for athletes and fans alike.
The Alliance Football League is currently exploring expansion opportunities and strategic partnerships in multiple markets ahead of the league’s inaugural 2028 season. Additional announcements regarding league structure, ownership opportunities, team markets, media initiatives, and partnerships are expected to be released in the near future.
“The vision is simple,” Robinson added. “We want to build a league that lasts. One that communities are proud to support, ownership groups are proud to operate within, and players are proud to compete in.”