generate questions: On November 12, the league announced the defending champion San Jose SaberCats would be ceasing operations due to "reasons unrelated to League operations". A statement from the league indicated that the AFL is working to secure new, long-term owners for the franchise. This leaves the AFL with eight teams for 2016.
Who were the defending champions of the Arena Football League? {sep_token} When was it announced that the SaberCats would be shutting down? {sep_token} What was the reason given for the closing of the SaberCats? {sep_token} How many AFL teams are operating as of 2016? {sep_token}