AFL to make major announcement today

Word just came that the AFL is expected to make a major announcement sometime this afternoon. The question is, what will it involve? Here are a few possibilities ....

-New TV deal: Right now, the league has one in place with ESPN. Might it be extended?

-Replay: The league doesn't have it. It should have it. Could this be added? And if so, when would it start -- immediately? In the playoffs? Next season?

-The league is folding: Not likely. I just talked to a Storm PR rep as he literally was stepping onto the plane for the team's trip to Grand Rapids.

-Expansion: Always a possibility. Right now, the AFL has 17 teams. If it's adding, where would a team go? How about a place like Virginia Beach that has a mid-sized population and rabid fan base?

-Contraction: Bye bye Utah! Hey, you never know, right? Franchises seem to come and go in this league.

Just as soon as I know something, I'll post it ... stay tuned!

--KEITH NIEBUHR