The Mustangs hope to return to play in 2014. Credit: Michael Sears

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The Milwaukee Mustangs, the city's Arena Football League franchise, announced Thursday that it will sit out the 2013 season but will work to return to play at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in 2014.

The Journal Sentinel reported this week that the Mustangs were contemplating either sitting out the season or folding altogether.

But in a news release, the Mustangs said the AFL had granted the team "dormancy" for the 2013 season.

A team spokesman, who was not identified in the news release, said, "The Mustangs had an aggressive marketing investment and will continue to contribute to the league during the dormancy, as well as sustain their presence in the community. We will come back with a solid sponsor base for the 2014 season so we can deliver the best entertainment value to our fans."

AFL Commissioner Jerry Kurz called the Mustangs a "strong partner."

"I am pleased they will remain a part of the league during the team's dormancy and look forward to the team returning to the field in 2014," Kurz said.