Rattlers WR Trandon Harvey dives for a first down against the Sharks in ArenaBowl XXIV (Photo via Facebook)

Rattlers WR Trandon Harvey dives for a first down against the Sharks in ArenaBowl XXIV (Photo via Facebook)

Ted Leonsis now owns one-third of the Arena Football League (AFL). The CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment announced today that the company has acquired a team that will play at Baltimore’s Royal Farms Arena starting next spring.

“Baltimore is known for its passionate sports fans, and we look forward to their spirited support of their AFL team,” Leonsis said in a release, adding that he envisions “some great rivalries between Washington, Baltimore and Philadelphia.”

The news comes eight months after he announced the purchase of an AFL team for the District—Washington Valor—which hosted tryouts last month.

The purchase has some local fans displeased with Leonsis, who also owns the Washington Wizards, Mystics, and Capitals. As CBS News points out, some Wizards fans think he should make more investments in his basketball franchise, which could benefit from a Development League team.

The AFL, which plays indoor American football, is going into its 30th season with six teams—the D.C. region teams, in addition to the Cleveland Gladiators, Philadelphia Soul, Tampa Bay Storm and Orlando Predators. The 2015-2016 season had eight teams, but four of them have since folded, leading to a “Dispersal Draft.”

Th search has begun for Baltimore’s head coach, and fans can secure season tickets with a $50 deposit per seat.

Filed Under: arena football, arena football league, baltimore, baltimore arena football, ted leonsis, washington valor,