Today, the Arena Football League (AFL) announced Washington as the newest franchise to continue the league's rapid expansion. The ownership team will be led by Mike Thomas, as the team intends to play all its home games at the Angels of the Wind Arena in Everett.

"The City of Everett is the perfect sports city," Mike Thomas said. "There are so many professional athletes that have been part of the Silver Tips and Aqua Sox in their pursuit to the NHL and MLB. The AFL believes Everett is also the place to add the highest level of professional indoor football in the world. The City of Everett is a diverse, inclusive and forward-thinking community, which is the philosophy we will be bringing to our team."

Thomas plans to formally unveil the team's name and logo in the coming weeks but has tapped J.R. Wells to serve as Washington's head coach. Wells is a professional indoor football league veteran that played seven seasons - including a stint with the Everett Hawks - before transitioning to coaching.

As part of our announcement, the Washington team is forming a community advisory board of business, political, labor and community leaders throughout the region to help guide the team and its operations. The first individual to join the team's advisory board is the Area Coordinator for US Marine Corps Toys for Tots Mary Butler.

Fans can go to www.washingtonafl.com

and enter their e-mail address to be added to the season ticket waitlist. Any organizations or individuals interested in exploring sponsorship partnerships or advisory board opportunities with the team can email

washingtonafl.com for more information.

The announcement comes after the AFL recently announced the return of the Orlando Predators, Billings Outlaws and West Texas Desert Hawks.