Toledo Crush will “suspend operations” in Toledo for 2015 with the team expected to return in another Ohio market by 2017, according to a post on the Legends Football League (LFL) website.
The women’s 7-on-7 tackle football league, which started in 2009, was formerly known as the Lingerie Football League. The league was rebranded as Legends Football League in 2013. Players wear helmets, shoulder pads and cleats — but little else.
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Three other LFL teams also suspended operations this year, according to a post titled “State of the Franchise”:
- Baltimore Charm – Will return to play in April 2016 with a move to Washington DC / Northern Virginia.
- Jacksonville Breeze – Will shutdown operations and relaunch in another Florida market within the next three years.
- Green Bay Chill – Will suspend operations, as the franchise expects a full overhaul prior to its return.
A representative from LFL was unable to be reached for comment. Al Purdie, marketing manager at the Huntington Center, said no one from the league has been in touch with him.
The Toledo franchise, formerly called Cleveland Crush, announced in December 2013 it was moving from Cleveland to Toledo. It played two home games at the Huntington Center during the 2014 season.
In 2013, league founder and chairman Mitchell Mortaza said he was enthusiastic about the move to Toledo. Open tryouts were held in early 2014 and a team put together.
“Cleveland is an incredible sports town and the Q Arena is one of the finest arenas in the country. While it was an incredible combination for us, it simply did not fit within our business model moving forward,” Mortaza said in a 2013 news release. “Toledo and specifically the Huntington Center is an incredible setting for LFL Football and it also provides proximity to draw athletes, coaches and fans not only from Toledo but Cleveland and Detroit as well.”
The LFL also has leagues in Canada and Australia with plans to launch a league in Europe this year.
For more information, visit www.lflus.com.
