Todd Walkenhorst Named New Commissioner of the NAL

New Leadership to Oversee the NAL’s New Era

ATLANTA, GA – The National Arena League announces major news today by naming arena football executive Todd Walkenhorst its new Commissioner. Walkenhorst will serve as the commissioner for the 2024 season and beyond, as he becomes the third commissioner in league history, since the league formed in 2017. With heavy momentum and unprecedented growth leading to the 2024 season, fans are witnessing the league’s largest footprint to date. The NAL now  spans eight teams across the nation, in eight states,  ranging from the Mountain West, Midwest, and Southeast United States. Walkenhorst will oversee league operations with new teams, arenas, and fan bases, to experience their first season in the National Arena League.


Walkenhorst brings 30-years of sports industry experience, from operations to management, in the NCAA, NFL, USFL, IFL, and CIF. He served in key leadership roles with the University of Nebraska Athletics before working in the NFL for seven seasons between the Kansas City Chiefs and Seattle Seahawks. In 2012, he was named the Assistant General Manager and head of Football Operations for the USFL’s Omaha Nighthawks. Following his tenure in outdoor football, Walkenhorst joined indoor football, where he took on major roles in the sport, including management positions with the Omaha Beef (IFL, CIF) and later became the Commissioner of the Champions Indoor League (CIF) in 2021.


“This has obviously been an unprecedented off-season for our business and the National Arena League,” Walkenhorst said. “I am looking forward to directing the NAL through this journey as we set the foundation for further growth. As one of the most established leagues in this industry, with some of the most tenured teams in the country, we are committed to providing the best experience for our players, coaches, fans and sponsors.”


Serving as the head of the league’s executive board, as well as overseeing the league board of owners, Walkenhorst now leads the National Arena League in an exciting new chapter in its eighth year of operation. The Carolina Cobras, Colorado Spartans, Idaho Horseman, North Texas Bulls, Oklahoma Flying Aces, Omaha Beef, Sioux City Bandits, and Topeka Tropics will all begin play in March to launch the NAL 2024 season.



ABOUT THE NATIONAL ARENA LEAGUE
(NAL) The National Arena League is a premier arena football league committed to delivering thrilling sports entertainment to fans nationwide. With a focus on high-octane action, and top-tier competition, the NAL showcases talented athletes, dedicated coaches, and passionate team owners. The league's unwavering commitment to excellence has solidified its position as a prominent force in the world of arena football. For more information regarding expansion opportunities or partnerships, contact Commissioner Todd Walkenhorst at todd@nationalarenaleague.com.