Arena Football League Introduces New Official Game Football

Monday March 25, 2019

Team Issue Brand Footballs Will be Used in AFL Games

Philadelphia, Pa. - The Arena Football League (AFL) announced today that Team Issue will be the official game ball brand for the 2019 season. These new game balls, as with all Team Issue footballs, are handmade in Dallas, Texas. The ball was designed to improve quality, and incorporates both bold and modern style elements that reflect the AFL’s future-oriented vision.

The outer cover of the ball features battle-tested, top-grain red leather that is hot-foil stamped with the new AFL logo. The football features white lace stitching and distinctive blue spikes on both ends, which were designed to match the lines of the football in the AFL’s new logo. Additionally, the ball includes the signatures of Commissioner Randall Boe, and AFL Chariman, Ron Jaworski.

The redesigned balls improve the quality of play for the athletes in the League: they are more aerodynamic and perfectly balanced for optimal spin, handling and a tight spiral. Each football is manufactured with a strong chain-stitch construction, and a 3-ply inner layer for unmatched shape retention. Additionally, each ball is quality control checked against strict, industry-leading standards.

“The AFL’s decision to use the best football money can buy, and subsequently allowing fans who catch balls during the game to keep them, made this project so much fun for me,” said Chris Calandro, founder and CEO of Team Issue. “The AFL didn’t want to just let fans keep any football – they specifically wanted them to be high-caliber. We’re proud of the quality of American-made footballs that we build.”

AFL Commissioner Randall Boe said, “We are pleased to be working with Team Issue. The official AFL footballs are of the highest quality, look great and are handmade in the US. They’ll be great for both our athletes and the lucky fans who catch them during AFL games.”

Team Issue is the premiere football brand of Big Game USA, and a dominant-supplier for FBS collegiate programs. The AFL footballs are made alongside of those for some of the most highly-reputable football programs in the country, and the League is excited to incorporate them into its games.

Big Game USA has been putting forth immense passion in its football production since the 1990s, and produce about 500 footballs each day at its factory in Dallas. The Arena Football League is excited to be part of the experience with Big Game USA, joining well-respected football entities across the country.

Fans can purchase official AFL game footballs by visiting www.teamissue.com

About the Arena Football League

The Arena Football League enters its 32nd season in 2019. Since its inception in 1987, the AFL showcases a fast-paced, exciting game to a significant number of fans in a myriad of markets. With the addition of two new teams in Atlantic City, N.J., and Columbus, O.H., the League totals six teams for 2019: Albany, Atlantic City, Columbus, Baltimore, Philadelphia and Washington D.C. Each team will play 12 regular-season games in 2019. The League can be found on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook using the handle @OfficialAFL.