Antonio Brown’s Albany Empire removed from Arena League

Vendetta Sports Media/NFL/June 17, 2023

Last Modified: February 20, 2024

Antonio Brown Albany Empire — Photo Credit – Will Waldron/Times Union

Antonio Brown’s Albany Empire removed from Arena League

The National Arena League (NAL) elected to “terminate” the Albany Empire from their league earlier this week over alleged failure to pay overdue assessments.

“After exhausting all avenues, the NAL board of owners have decided unanimously to terminate the membership agreement of the Albany Empire,” the league said in a statement. “The decision was reached after an emergency conference call of the members in good standing to discuss the Empire’s failure to pay their league-mandated and overdue assessments.”

Antonio Brown became the majority owner of the Empire in April. Under terms of the NAL’s ownership, teams must pay one-seventh of the league’s operating budget via monthly payments. Reportedly, Brown made the payment for April but failed to do so for May. On top of that, the league fined Brown $1,000 for conduct detrimental to the league.

“The league informed his accountant, Alex Gunaris, who in previous communications requested that the league communicates directly with Mr. Gunaris regarding financial obligations with the Empire. Mr Gunaris was informed of the league’s attempts to collect the delinquent assessments and he communicated to the league that it didn’t seem like Mr. Brown was going to pay the assessment or fine.”

The announcement comes just one day after Brown went on an on-field rant when speaking with reporters.

The NAL has canceled all future Albany games and will restructure the rest of the league’s 2023 regular-season schedule.

Brown’s tenure with the Empire

Since Brown took over, the team cycled through multiple head coaches and cut both of their quarterbacks. Additionally, the team dropped to a record of 1-6 on the season, despite entering the season as two-time defending champions.

Brown planned to operate and own the team but to also play on-field with the Empire. However, Brown never played a snap for the organization.

Brown’s tenure with the Empire was tumultuous, to say the least. Some players and suppliers reportedly never got paid. Also, eight players were suspended after an aggravated harassment report was filed about an incident that occurred on the team bus.

This incident becomes just another sad stain in a dramatic series of events in Antonio Brown’s post-NFL life.