League takes over operations of Portland Thunder

Wednesday January 6, 2016

 LAS VEGAS (January 6, 2016) - The Arena Football League, as part of the continued effort to solidify its membership foundation, has taken over operation of the Portland Thunder, the League office announced today. In a collective decision from the AFL Board of Directors, the Thunder will be run by the League and continue as a member of the Arena Football League without their previous ownership group in place.

“After many months of attempting to work out an arrangement for the AFL to provide financial and operational support to current ownership, we were unable to successfully work something out and are thus assuming ownership and operational control of the Thunder,” AFL Commissioner Scott C. Butera said. “We highly value the Thunder fans and this step was needed to stabilize the team in the Portland market."

The Portland Thunder enter their third season in the AFL at the Moda Center in 2016.