Arena Football League announces it's returning for 2024 season with 16 teams

The fastest indoor football game is back. On Wednesday, the Arena Football League (AFL) announced its grand return with league play scheduled to restart in 2024.

The AFL drew a niche following for its electric playing style. The high-paced action thrilled fans with volume scoring and ironman athletes. The league disbanded in 2019 after announcing bankruptcy and halting business operations.

A new ownership group is in place for the 2024 relaunch. The AFL will be led by investment group that includes Force 1 Sports and Entertainment.

The AFL front office includes commissioner Lee Hutton III, deputy commissioner Travelle Gaines, president of entertainment Tuo Clark and executive vice president Curt Feldtkeller.

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The AFL is the latest spring football league to announce its return. Other leagues include the XFL and the United States Football League (USFL).

AFL teams are expected to be announced at a later date. There will be 16 teams that play weekly throughout the 2024 season.

The AFL was founded in 1986 and began play the following season. The league continued operations until the conclusion of the 2019 campaign. The last reigning champion was the Albany Empire, who won the ArenaBowl.

Notable AFL alumni have found NFL success after starring in the league. Pro Football Hall of Famer Kurt Warner played for the Iowa Barnstormers from 1995-97.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Arena Football League announces 2024 return