The Tampa Bay Storm, five-time Arena Football League champions, announced that the franchise has suspended operations immediately and will no longer field a team via a statement issued on the team website today.
"We have informed League Commissioner Scott Butera, and the remaining members of the Arena Football League, that we will not operate a franchise in 2018," Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment CEO Steve Griggs said in a statement. "This was not an easy decision, but after deep consideration, evaluation and introspection, we have elected to reallocate the resources dedicated to arena football for other uses within our organization, including the growth of Tampa Bay Entertainment Properties.”
Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment, helmed by Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik, took ownership of the Storm in 2011. Both teams shared Amalie Arena, and a team with a proud tradition and a winning history carried on through turbulent times for the Arena Football League. Head coach Tim Marcum became a colorful figure on the Bay Area sports scene, and games against the Orlando Predators were marketed as the "War on I-4." That moniker is now claimed by USF Football and UCF Football, with the Predators folding up shop last year.
"Rising League costs and reduced League revenues forced the organization to re-evaluate the team’s financial situation and its continued operation in a shrinking AFL," the statement said. "Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment understands the importance of the Storm in the Tampa Bay community and the rich history that includes five ArenaBowl Championships. Because of its tradition, history and strong fanbase, the organization will be pleased to explore future opportunities in a stronger, reinvented Arena Football League at the appropriate time."
The AFL is a shadow of its former self, with just five teams competing last season. The Storm lost 44-40 to the Philadelphia Soul in Arena Bowl XXX in August in what is likely the franchise's final game.
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Photo from Wikimedia Commons
