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That is the "fly in the ointment" for the AAIPB.

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It's not just the AA, it's the NoL's problem now also. If anything has become clear in the past year it's that the NoL faces competition in nearly any direction it tries to expand. There simply aren't any (viable) open market areas left where other leagues (affiliated or indy) don't/won't face competition. Alberta was an exception, but it also has to prove itself.

Another change for the NoL, as other I believe have pointed out, is that the NoL is not likely to get any more "big, shiny new ballparks." Whether one looks a Pensacola, Springdale, or Marion, the situation is one of major competition between leagues. More situations like Wichita (like Edmonton and Calgary) are the likely future of most of the leagues. Once established they may, like the FL, be able to upgrade replace facilities, but that takes time and the ability to establish long term relationships/commitments with/from the community.

It's a matter of community pride and interest --and sometimes (often?) the threat of leaving. At that stage it becomes a matter of what the sport/club mean to the taxpayers and how much they're willing to support it with their tax dollars.