INDIANAPOLIS, IN / ACCESS Newswire / January 8, 2026 / David Burch, CEO of the American Football Association (AFA) and Joe Newman, CEO of the American Basketball Association (ABA) today announced that their organizations have joined the newly formed National Association of Minor Leagues (NAML). More information is available at http://joinnaml.org In the coming months, NAML will begin formally onboarding leagues, teams, athletes, affiliates and sponsors across multiple minor league sports nationwide.

"NAML gives minor league athletes and organizations something they've never had before," stated Burch. "A unified national platform by bringing every sport under one umbrella. We can finally build the visibility, structure and opportunities these athletes deserve. The future of minor league sports belongs to organizations that collaborate, innovate and operate on a national scale; NAML is the platform that unlocks the future."

"The minor leagues are the foundation for American sports," added Newman. "Few high school, AAU, or college athletes make it to the major leagues. Yet, there are thousands of players across all sports with outstanding skills who extend their careers in the minor leagues. These gifted athletes provide exciting competition for fans at affordable prices and compete for all the right reasons. Support your minor league team - the best of the rest."

Damon Cannon, owner of two ABA basketball teams, will serve as Executive Director of NAML. "The mission of NAML is to unite minor leagues and teams across all sports to elevate the visibility and vitality of minor leagues," stated Cannon. "We exist to amplify the voice of minor leagues nationally by generating greater publicity, respect, and fan engagement; by driving sustainable revenue growth for our members through increased attendance, sponsorships and innovative promotions; and by harnessing collective buying power and shared best practices to strengthen every league, every team and every community we serve. NAML will initially focus on basketball, football, baseball and other emerging and established minor league sports."

For more information, visit http://joinnaml.org or email dcannon2010@gmail.com or arniegold17@gmail.com.

Website: American Football Association (AFA) http://www.americanfootballassn.com

Website: American Basketball Association (ABA) http://www.realabaleague.com

Arnie Goldberg
(317) 430-7879
arniegold17@gmail.com

SOURCE: National Association of Minor Leagues