Home / Sports / Sports Leagues Fold: Bankruptcy Woes Strike Pro Teams
Sports Leagues Fold: Bankruptcy Woes Strike Pro Teams
12 Dec
Summary
- Professional sports leagues have rarely filed for bankruptcy.
- The Alliance of American Football failed after one season.
- Grand Slam Track filed for bankruptcy to reorganize operations.

While rare, professional sports leagues have faced bankruptcy and closure. The American Basketball League, established in 1995, suspended operations in December 1998 after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This serves as a historical precedent for league financial distress.
More recently, the Alliance of American Football failed to complete its inaugural season, filing for Chapter 7 liquidation in April 2019. The league reported substantial liabilities of $48 million against assets of $11 million and minimal cash reserves.
In a different approach, Grand Slam Track, founded by Michael Johnson, has sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The league aims to reorganize its finances and operating model for long-term success, unlike the AAF's complete liquidation.




