ALBANY, NY – Former majority owner of The Albany Empire, a team in the National Arena League (NAL), Mike Kwarta has announced today that he is no longer affiliated with the team in any way.
Kwarta’s company, TechEast Fire and Water Restoration, has been a major sponsor of the Empire since its inception in 2018 and 2019. Kwarta then went on to become a key factor in the Empire’s return from bankruptcy and survival during the COVID pandemic. From 2021 to the present, the Empire has won two NAL championships and created a sustainable business model capable of keeping arena football alive in the Capital Region for years to come.
“The goal from when the team was brought back in 2021 was to bring football back to the 518 to stay. We brought two championships in two years and made the team sustainable for the future. Because of this, the history of the Empire in 2018 & 2019, and now 2021 & 2022, can never be erased. The entire goal was to fortify the Empire and ensure it would be a part of the Capital Region forever,” Kwarta said. He added, “I’ll always have strong feelings for the Empire players, coaches, staff, and especially the fans in the 518. I wish the best of luck to our players and coaching staff in bringing home the fourth ring in four seasons. Go Empire!”
With Kwarta’s departure, Antonio Brown will assume 95% of the Empire’s ownership, leaving the von Schiller family as the only remaining local stakeholders with their 5% share of the team.
Joining Kwarta in departing from the organization are Team President Matt Woods and Director of Media Relations Jeff Levack. Woods reflected on his time with the team, stating, “It has been an honor to serve the players, fans, and partners of this organization for the last two seasons. Without the support of so many in our community, the championship product that has been produced and that exists today would not be possible. I am proud of the work that has been put into this team and the lasting impact that we have made.”
Levack echoed these sentiments, adding, “Thank you to Mike, Matt, and too many other names to list here. Being a part of the Empire from the beginning makes leaving extremely tough, but new opportunities await.”
The departure of Kwarta, Woods, and Levack marks a significant transition for the Albany Empire, an organization that has become synonymous with success and resilience in the National Arena League. Under their leadership, the Empire not only achieved championship glory but also revitalized interest in arena football across the Capital Region. This trio’s departure leaves a legacy of hard work and dedication, laying a foundation for future successes and challenges the team may face. As the new ownership structure takes shape, the focus will undoubtedly be on maintaining the momentum built over recent years while fostering a renewed sense of stability and growth.
Fans and community members have expressed mixed emotions regarding the changes, with many taking to social media to thank Kwarta and his team for their contributions. “Mike and the front office gave us unforgettable moments on and off the field,” said one long-time fan. Another remarked, “While change is always hard, we hope the new leadership will uphold the standards and traditions the Empire has come to represent.” As the Empire enters this new chapter, the commitment to sustaining its impact on the region remains paramount, and supporters are eager to see how the team will navigate this pivotal moment.
With the upcoming season on the horizon, the Albany Empire faces both uncertainty and opportunity. The team’s success in recent years has set high expectations, and the hope among fans is that new leadership will continue to build on this strong foundation. For now, the legacy left by Kwarta and his team is undeniable, and their contributions will forever be a part of the Albany Empire’s history. As the 518 rallies behind its team once again, one thing is certain—arena football will continue to hold a special place in the hearts of the Capital Region.