SPORTS | AMERICAN ARENA LEAGUE

ABOUT THE AAL DRAFT

The 2026 AAL Draft is the official league-run player selection process for the American Arena League and its developmental division, AAL2.

This inaugural draft establishes a formal pathway for eligible players to be evaluated, selected, and assigned to participating teams for the upcoming season.

This is not a tryout.

This is a professional draft.

WHEN & WHERE

WHEN:

April 19TH, 2026

11:00am

WHERE:

The Beck Center

1801 Box Road

Columbus, Georgia

TEAM ELIGIBLE TO DRAFT

The following AAL teams are qualified to participate in the 2026 Draft:

• Columbus Lions

• Wheeling Miners

• Mississippi Wolfpack

• Jersey Bearcats

All AAL2 teams with players who have applied and been approved for draft eligibility are also eligible to participate.

PLAYER ELIGIBILITY

Who Can Enter the Draft

Players must meet all eligibility requirements to be considered:

• Not currently under contract with any participating AAL team

• Have formally declared draft eligibility

• Completed all required draft documentation

• Paid the $15 draft entrance fee

Eligibility is reviewed and approved by the league.

DRAFT PROCESS

How the Draft Works

• The 2026 draft is the inaugural year

• Round 1 will be determined by random selection, announced by the Commissioner

• Rounds 2–4 will follow a snake-style draft

• Total selections: 16 picks

Draft Timing

• Each team has 5 minutes per selection

• Failure to select within the allotted time results in forfeiture of that pick

• A forfeited pick may result in a compensatory pick at the end of the draft

• A second missed selection results in forfeiture without compensation

PLAYER RIGHTS &
RESPONSIBILITIES

Drafted Players

• Drafted players’ rights are immediately assigned to the drafting team

• Drafted players do not attend tryouts

• Drafted players report directly to their assigned team’s camp

• Players must report as directed or face league suspension for that season

Once in camp, drafted players compete for an active roster spot.

ROSTER STATUS & RELEASES

• Drafted players released by their original team become eligible to sign with other AAL teams

• Players not signed after Week 2 may be placed on a reserve/non-active roster

• A player may be reactivated no more than twice per season

• A second return to non-active status ends eligibility for reactivation that season

TRADES

Trading Draft Picks

• Draft pick trading is allowed for the 2026 draft year only

• Teams may trade picks or players after selection, if mutually agreed upon

REGISTRATION

What You’ll Need

• Personal & contact information

• Playing experience (college/pro)

• Film or highlight link (recommended)

• Height, weight, and position

• Agreement to league terms and conditions

READY TO DECLARE

If you believe you’re ready to compete at the professional arena football level, register for the 2026 AAL Draft.

Registration Deadline: April 2nd, 2026