ACL EXPANSION SHAKES UP 2025 SEASON: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The ACL Fantasy Football League is undergoing its biggest transformation yet. With Hawaii exiting, three new franchises—led by Andrew, PJ, and Tre—are set to join, bringing the league to 14 teams for the 2025 season. More teams, more competition, and a brand-new era of ACL football are on the horizon.

Expansion Draft: Who Stays, Who Goes?

To help the newcomers build competitive rosters, an expansion draft will be held. Returning teams must categorize their rosters into four tiers:

• Tier A: Six protected players, off-limits to expansion teams.

• Tier B & C: Four players per tier, available until one is selected.

• Tier D: The rest of the roster, fully available until three players are taken.

Hawaii’s entire roster will be wide open for selection, with any unpicked players becoming unrestricted free agents. Rookie draft picks, including 1.06, 1.07, and 1.08, are also in play.

The 14-round snake draft will allow expansion teams to choose players or picks, offering flexibility in roster construction. Once the draft concludes, teams can fill remaining spots through free agency.

Playoff Picture Gets an Update

With 14 teams in the league, the playoffs expand to seven teams. The top seed earns a first-round bye, while remaining matchups are seeded based on highest-ranked teams. Additionally, a home-field advantage bonus—equal to the difference in seeds—will be applied to all matchups except the championship.

Rookie Draft Lottery Adjustments

The new lottery format ensures fairness across the expanded league. The revised odds are:

• 14th place: 30 balls

• 13th place: 25 balls

• 12th place: 20 balls

• 11th place: 10 balls

• 10th, 9th, and 8th place: 5 balls each

Additionally, Hawaii’s former draft assets (via California) will be reassigned to the 6th draft slot.

Realignment on the Horizon

League sources confirm that conferences and divisions will be realigned to accommodate the expansion. The executive commissioner aims to create new rivalries, preserve historic matchups, and add another layer of excitement heading into the 2025 season.

Key Rule Changes from the ACL Summit

Several rule changes were officially enacted to prepare for the league’s future:

• Rookie Draft Timing: The draft will now occur before free agency but after re-signing.

• Taxi Squad Expansion: Each team now has a third taxi squad spot.

• Rookie Salary Adjustments: Contracts will follow a sliding scale, starting at 55% of value in Year 1 and reaching 100% by Year 4.

• Expansion Amendments: Official confirmation of the league’s move to 14 teams, with structural changes to playoffs, the rookie draft, and other logistical elements.

The ACL’s Future Starts Now

With an expanded field, new faces, and a fresh playoff structure, the 2025 ACL season is shaping up to be the most competitive in league history. The groundwork has been laid, and now, it’s time to see who will step up and dominate in this new era of ACL football.

Buckle up—the race for the 2025 title starts now.