The Arena Football League has undergone a major face-life once again.

Last off-season, it was relocations. This off-season, it's contraction.

Last off-season changes:
Relocation - Iowa (Barnstormers)to Long Island (NY Dragons)
Relocation - Albany NY to Indianapolis (Indiana Firebirds)
Relocation - New England (Hartford) SeaWolves to Toronto (Phantoms)
Expansion - Detroit Fury (NFL Ownership)
Expansion - Chicago Rush

This off-season changes:
Relocation - Nashville Kats to Atlanta
Contraction - Oklahoma Wranglers
Contraction - Florida Bobcats
Contraction - Houston Thunderbears
Contraction - Milwaukee Mustangs
Expansion - Dallas Desperados (NFL Ownership)

The last time the AFL contracted was in the 1996 off-season when the league yanked 4 franchises.

The moves made during the last two off-seasons appear to be an effort to place teams in larger markets and eliminate struggling franchises. Both are seen as necessary if the NFL is to purchase a minority interest (as much as 49.9%) in the league as is possible early next year.

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