AUDL Finalizes South Division With Charlotte Franchise

Charlotte is joining the AUDL.

With today’s announcement of a new Charlotte franchise, the AUDL South Division is now set: Jacksonville, Atlanta, Raleigh, Nashville, and Charlotte.

“Adding Charlotte to the AUDL was attractive for multiple reasons,” AUDL Commissioner Steve Gordon said in a press release. “The new ownership group brings a wealth of both prominent business experience and ultimate experience. They understand the landscape of ultimate in the Charlotte area and we believe their experience will not only result in a great team, but the budding of a great rivalry with nearby Raleigh. With Charlotte, the South Division is shaping up to be competitive and fun to watch.”

The Charlotte team is owned by Steve Hall, Monte Ritchey and Albert Banks, all members of the local ultimate community.

The larger North Carolina community has recently supported just one elite men’s team — Ring of Fire — in the USA Ultimate Club Division. Charlotte players have played for the Raleigh-based team in the past. Seeing how the talent breaks down in the two relatively nearby cities will be something to watch for in the preseason.

Still, Charlotte has a thriving local league and a scene of its own. “Charlotte has always been a tight knit Ultimate community with great aspirations,” Hall said in a statement. “We think our selfless and hard-working culture fits well within the AUDL and we look forward to putting our best seven on the line next April.”