USFL & XFL in merger talks

[BamaNation]

The merger would be structured as a merger of equals and would require regulatory approval, one of the sources said. The leagues hope to combine before the 2024 seasons.

• Fox Corp. owns the USFL, while the XFL is owned by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, his business partner Dany Garcia, and RedBird Capital Partners.
• Game broadcasts of the combined league are likely to be split between Fox and XFL media partner Disney, according to the source. The USFL also has a broadcast agreement with NBC, although it's not yet been determined if that will continue.
• An announcement of the deal could come as early as this week.

https://www.axios.com/2023/09/19/xfl-usfl-merger

 

[CrimsonTheory]

Well, duh.

I still think an NFL Spring League is still the best way to go.

 

[rolltide_21]

XFL lost $60 million! Wow. I’ve casually followed the USFL because of the Stallions success. If the USFL is profitable in any way I’d run from this deal.

 

[OakMtn4Bama]

I like the idea of a spring league. Used to have season tickets to the original Stallions, and had a blast at the games. I would hate to see the XFL bring down the USFL. I like to see these kids get a chance to show their abilities.

 

[CrimsonNagus]

The article has the answer:

The longest-running spring football league was from the NFL itself with NFL Europe, which served as a developmental league from 1989 to 2007. The league shuttered it in favor of staging their own games overseas.

Ding, ding, ding, ding. The only way a spring league will truly see long term success is if it is supported by the NFL and is basically a minor league for them. Otherwise, merger or no merger, I give it 2-3 more years before this version of the USFL folds again. Especially if TV viewers remain in the 600k range. That is not enough eyeballs to attract the big bucks in ad revenue.

 

[TraskiTideFan]

[/QUOTE]
Ding, ding, ding, ding. The only way a spring league will truly see long term success is if it is supported by the NFL and is basically a minor league for them. Otherwise, merger or no merger, I give it 2-3 more years before this version of the USFL folds again. Especially if TV viewers remain in the 600k range. That is not enough eyeballs to attract the big bucks in ad revenue.
[/QUOTE]

In today's YouTube / Social Media World, that argument doesn't carry over as well as it used to. If handled correctly that eyeball / clicks number can be quickly grown in other promotional channels.

 

[rolltide_21]

Well, the USFL was a fun distraction while it lasted.

 

[twofbyc]

Looked for another thread, guess I’ll drop this here-
AJ leads Battlehawks (UFL) to lead with 49 seconds left on a 3 yard TD pass, only to see the opposition kick a 64 yd FG to win the game.
Dude has simply never gotten the breaks in his pro career. I know, it’s life, but I don’t think I’m being a homer in believing that, with just a play or two going the other way and the timing of an injury being different, AJ could have easily had the career Kirk Cousins had.