WHEELING — The West Virginia Roughriders debut in the National Arena League has been sacked by the global COVID-19 pandemic.

It was announced late Friday that the six-team league was canceling the 2020 season.

“After exploring multiple options over the last few months, we are faced with unprecedented circumstances. We have worked hard to save the season, but it’s with deep regret that we are announcing the cancellation of the 2020 season,” NAL president Chris Siegfried said in a release.

He added that multiple scenarios were analyzed, but with social distancing and multiple venues were unable to be utilized.

“The determination was made by board members and team owners to move forward with this decision,” he added. “We are grateful to the fans, sponsors, players, and staff members for supporting us though this process. We are greatly awaiting the 2021 season next April with the greatest fans in the NAL.”

For Wheeling owner Gregg Fornario, the news was disheartening.

“Unfortunately, the cancellation of the season is out of our hands. We were committed to play but ran out of time. We look forward to seeing everyone for the 2021 season. Stay safe.”

Fornario did say that his organization will continue to release information regarding season ticket holder refunds.

“We will partner with WesBanco Arena to facilitate the transactions,” he noted. “Additionally, our front office staff will be reaching out to our sponsors on an individual basis regarding the 2020 season and moving forward to 2021.”

Fornario said his group had sent a potential seating chart for home games to WesBanco Arena officials. The number of available seats went from 5,000-plus to around 1,300.

The Roughriders went undefeated in winning the American Arena League championship last summer, the franchise’s first in the Friendly City after re-locating from Richmond, Va.

Other teams comprising the league are the Carolina (N.C.) Cobras; the Columbus (Ga.) Lions; the Jacksonville Sharks; the Orlando Predators; the Massachusetts Pirates and the Jersey Flight.

The NAL was the top tier indoor football league after the AFL folded last year.