Montgomery, Alabama, is set to welcome a new arena football franchise that will compete in the American Arena League (AAL) beginning in April 2027.
A Name Rooted in Local Identity
The team will be called the Montgomery Catfish, a moniker chosen to reflect the city’s reputation for resilience and toughness. Just as the catfish thrives in the murky waters of the Alabama River, the franchise aims to navigate the challenges of building a competitive indoor football program.
This will mark the second time Montgomery has fielded an arena‑style football team. The earlier experiment, the Montgomery Bears, lasted only a single season in 2007 before folding.
Path to the Inaugural Season
Tryouts for the Catfish are scheduled for late 2026, giving prospective players a chance to earn a spot on the inaugural roster. Organizers have emphasized that the selection process will prioritize local talent and community involvement.
The American Arena League, which merged with the American Indoor Football Association earlier this decade, has positioned itself as a leading platform for indoor football across the United States. The league’s official website, americanarenaleague.com, lists the Catfish among its expanding roster of teams.
Local media partner WSFA will provide coverage of the team’s development, from tryout announcements to game‑day reporting, ensuring that fans in Alabama stay informed about the franchise’s progress.
Beyond the field, the Catfish organization hopes to leverage the sport’s fast‑paced excitement to foster community events, youth clinics, and charitable initiatives throughout Montgomery and the surrounding region.