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AFLPU arena football players

Atlanta, GA · Affiliated AFL-CIO

YOUR VOICE.
YOUR UNION.

The Arena Football League Players Union fights for the rights, health, and futures of every player who ever suited up on the arena floor — on the field and beyond it.

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1987
AFL Founded
32
AFL Seasons Played
2014
AFL-CIO Affiliated
100%
Player Advocacy
The AFLPU Continues to Advocate for Former Players' Medical RightsAFLPU Affiliated with AFL-CIO Since 2014Contact Us: compliance@aflpu.org · 1-800-585-0248For The Players, By The PlayersKnow Your Rights — CBA Resources Available to All MembersThe AFLPU Continues to Advocate for Former Players' Medical RightsAFLPU Affiliated with AFL-CIO Since 2014Contact Us: compliance@aflpu.org · 1-800-585-0248For The Players, By The PlayersKnow Your Rights — CBA Resources Available to All Members
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Important Update: The original Arena Football League ceased operations in November 2019. Arena football continues through successor leagues, and the AFLPU remains active as an advocacy organization for former players — especially regarding medical care, workers' rights, and CBA enforcement.

Know Your RightsCBA summaries, contract protections, and the grievance process.Explore →Health & BenefitsMedical coverage, injury resources, and post-career support.Explore →Member PortalAccess documents, manage your membership, and connect with leadership.Sign In →Get In TouchQuestions, concerns, or thoughts — we're here to listen and help.Contact →

What We Do

BUILT FOR
PLAYERS. PERIOD.

Every part of this union exists because a player needed it — from negotiating the CBA to fighting for medical rights years after a career ends. We are a collective of players, former players, and agents dedicated to every member.

01

Labor Rights & Advocacy

We negotiate and enforce your Collective Bargaining Agreement. In 2018, the AFLPU negotiated a new CBA that nearly doubled player compensation and expanded health benefits.

  • CBA document library
  • Grievance filing
  • Player rep network
  • Legal referrals
02

Health & Medical Support

Professional football takes a physical toll. The AFLPU connects members with health coverage guidance, treatment advocacy, and long-term care resources after careers end.

  • Insurance guidance
  • Injury claim resources
  • Mental health support
  • Post-career advocacy
03

Financial Wellness

From rookie contracts to life beyond football, the AFLPU provides tools and vetted advisor referrals to help members build lasting financial security.

  • Financial literacy
  • Advisor directory
  • Contract education
  • Life after football

Our Mission

FOR THE
PLAYERS, BY
THE PLAYERS

“We the members of the Arena Football League Players Union, in order to preserve and enhance the democratic process for and by our members, honor those who laid the foundation of professional football, and protect the strength of our membership.”

The AFLPU is a labor organization affiliated with the AFL-CIO. Since affiliating in May 2014, the union has joined over 57 international unions representing more than 12 million working Americans.

Leadership

Executive Board

James Baron
James Baron
Executive President
Huey Whittaker
Huey Whittaker
Executive Vice President
Mike Washington
Mike Washington
Associate Vice President
Ryan Cave
Ryan Cave
Player Board President
Quentin Sims
Quentin Sims
Player Board Vice President
JG
James Guidry
Director of Player Services
Meet the full board →

Arena Football History

THE LONG ROAD OF THE GAME

From a sketch on an envelope at MSG to 32 seasons of pro play. Drag or use the arrows to explore the full timeline.

The Idea
1981
Born on an Envelope at MSG

Jim Foster, an NFL promotions manager, conceived indoor football while watching indoor soccer at Madison Square Garden, sketching the field and rules on a 9×12 envelope.

Test Game
1986
The First Showcase

The first test game was played April 27, 1986 at the Rockford MetroCentre in Illinois, with a second showcase in Chicago in early 1987 covered by ESPN.

First Season
1987
The AFL Plays Its First Season

Foster launched the AFL with four teams — Pittsburgh Gladiators, Denver Dynamite, Washington Commandos, and Chicago Bruisers. The first game on June 19 drew 12,117 fans.

Growth Era
1993–2007
Expansion & Dynasties

The league grew to 19 teams by 2007. The Tampa Bay Storm and Arizona Rattlers each won five ArenaBowls — the most in league history.

Crisis
2009
Season Cancelled & Bankruptcy

Financial troubles forced the AFL to suspend its entire 2009 season, then file for bankruptcy — only the second pro sports league to cancel a season after the 2004–05 NHL.

Rebirth
2010
The AFL Returns

Arena Football 1 purchased the league's assets for $6.1 million and rebranded as the AFL in February 2010, averaging roughly 9,500 fans per game in its new era.

Union Action
2012
AFLPU Strikes on Opening Night

On March 9, 2012 — opening night — the AFLPU went on strike seeking higher wages. By June 17 the union and league agreed to a new multi-year CBA.

Milestone
2014
AFLPU Affiliates with AFL-CIO

After a unanimous Board of Player Representatives vote, the AFLPU affiliated with the AFL-CIO on May 13, 2014 — joining 57 unions representing 12 million workers.

CBA Win
2018
New CBA Nearly Doubles Pay

On March 16, 2018, the AFLPU and AFL reached a four-year CBA that nearly doubled player compensation and expanded health insurance benefits.

End of an Era
2019
AFL Folds — Chapter 7

The Albany Empire won the final ArenaBowl on August 11, 2019. On November 27, the league filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, ending 32 seasons of play.

Reboot
2024
A One-Season Revival

G6 Sports Group revived the AFL in April 2024, but the league lasted a single season before its teams departed to form Arena Football One.

Today
Now
Still Fighting for Players

The AFLPU remains active in Atlanta, GA — fighting for former players' medical rights and ensuring every player has support off the field.

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EVERY PLAYER
DESERVES A VOICE.

Registration is free. Joining is the first step to protecting your career and your future.

Register as a Member

Quick Access

EVERYTHING YOU NEED

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