Get ready, football fans, because next month NFL Network is shaking things up! That too with a fresh lineup of live games. We’re not talking about the NFL here, but the AFL. NFL games happen during the winter and autumn. However, now something’s coming to fill up your spring as well.

This year we had the UFL making its grand entrance. It happened after the merging of Dwayne Johnson’s XFL with Fox’s USFL. Sure, these spring leagues usually attract smaller crowds as compared to the NFL’s showdowns, but they’re about to hit it big time. And guess who’s giving them the boost? None other than the biggest league in America!

When can you watch the Arena Football League games and how?

NFL Network is teaming up with the Arena Football League and Overtime’s OT7 to bring us a bunch of live games, all airing on NFL Network this spring. Starting in April, NFL Network’s going to be the go-to spot for over 30 AFL games and OT7, including their championship weekend games.

David Jurenka from NFL Media couldn’t hide his excitement. “We are excited to partner with the AFL and OT7 to bring more live football to NFL Network. The energy surrounding live football games is unmatched, and we’re thrilled to provide our fans such great action from these two leagues throughout the spring.”

If you’re on the move, you can catch all the AFL and OT7 drama on NFL+ too. So, after we’ve all enjoyed the Draft, the live football action kicks off with the Albany Firebirds taking on the Orlando Predators. But what exactly is the AFL?

When did AFL start?

Imagine football, but with a twist. That’s the Arena Football League for you! Started back in 1987 by Jim Foster. He also is a former NFL and USFL executive! The AFL is kind of like the rebellious cousin of the NFL and CFL, bringing a whole new vibe to the gridiron. Teams have to play on a field that is small enough to fit in your backyard, making every play feel like a sprint.

A unique feature of the AFL is the “ironman” rule, which required players to perform on both offense and defense. And the scores? The AFL is all about the thrill of the game, where a lead is never safe until the final buzzer. It’s like every moment is a Hail Mary, and fans can enjoy every second of it.

However, it so far hasn’t achieved the mainstream popularity that the NFL has. But now with the big league itself offering to broadcast games on its network, who knows what will happen?

Read More: How Did Tom Brady & Gisele Bündchen’s Relationship Change After $733M Divorce? Deep Dive into Co-Parenting & Joaquim Valente