Arena Football League owners have voted to take a hiatus in 2009, shuttering the season in the midst of the nation's worsening economic crisis.
The league issued a statement Monday saying it was attempting to develop a long-term plan that would provide a better economic model so it could return in 2010.
Several teams said they would not return in 2009 and Reuters reported a league source told the Cleveland Plain Dealer that ESPN, the AFL's TV carrier and a minority partner, did not want to televise games if only six or eight teams would be participating.
ESPN acquired a minority stake in the AFL two years ago as part of a five-year agreement intended to increase the league's exposure by including extensive multimedia rights and a minimum of 26 televised games per season beginning in 2007.
The New York Times said Monday the AFL earlier this year contacted buyout firm Platinum Equity about investing in the league. A Platinum spokesman declined to comment, except to say the firm has no investment in the AFL.
