Minnesota Monsters Announce Move To Twin Cities Amid Ongoing Lawsuit

DULUTH, MN — The Duluth-based Minnesota Monsters announced Sept. 4 they are relocating to the Twin Cities ahead of the 2027 season, coming off an 8-4 debut campaign in "Arena Football One" that reached the league semifinals.

The announcement came a day after a settlement conference in Duluth federal court ended without resolution, according to FOX21 News.

Asked whether the failed talks and the timing of the move were connected, Monsters attorney Christopher J. Heinze told FOX21 that settlement discussions were ongoing and that both sides remained hopeful of reaching an agreement.

Owner Jacob Lambert thanked Duluth fans, players, coaches and community leaders for supporting the organization, saying the city gave the Monsters an opportunity to grow. The team said the Twin Cities will open up a larger regional market, more corporate partnership opportunities and a broader fan base. A Twin Cities venue has not yet been announced.

The move comes as the Monsters remain in a legal battle with The Arena League, the league the franchise played in before jumping to AF1.

The Arena League, operated by Pulling Guard Productions LLC, is suing Lambert, his manufactured home company, Minnesota Monsters Entertainment LLC, AF1, former Duluth Harbor Monsters owner Brent LaBrie and his company Kramer Service Group, and former team general manager Steve Walters. The suit centers on whether the Duluth Harbor Monsters, the franchise's earlier identity, built the groundwork for the Minnesota Monsters' success in a way the new ownership is using without compensation.

Before becoming the Minnesota Monsters, the franchise played as the Duluth Harbor Monsters in The Arena League, winning back-to-back championships in 2024 and 2025 before jumping to AF1 for the 2026 season.