The United States Football League (USFL) and the Xtreme Football League (XFL) have officially merged to create a new entity, the United Football League (UFL). This merger, announced by XFL co-owners Dany Garcia and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson on FOX NFL Sunday, marks a new chapter in spring football.
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USFL, XFL Merge to Form UFL
The intention to merge was first announced in September, pending regulatory approval. This strategic unification aims to establish best practices and enhance the spring football experience for fans. The two leagues, previously competitors, have unveiled key details of the merged franchise, which is set to debut in March next year.
XFL co-owner Dwayne Johnson expressed optimism about the future of the new league in a written statement:
"From day one, our mission has been to expand the game of football and be a league of opportunity, culture and innovation. As we come together to create the UFL, we can build something powerful, exciting and very cool for football fans - a spring league with lasting impact for all the players with a dream to play pro football and the 'hardest workers in the room' mentality to make their dreams come true."
This transformation in spring football is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the game. The merger combines the resources and talents of both leagues, setting the stage for a more robust and competitive environment. Eric Shanks, CEO and executive producer for Fox Sports, has expressed optimism about the prospects of the new league. Russ Brandon, the former XFL president and CEO, and Daryl Johnston, the former USFL president of football operations, will help lead the new league.
The UFL is poised to bring together the best elements of both the USFL and XFL, potentially reshaping the landscape of professional football in the spring season. Fans of the game can look forward to an exciting and revamped football experience with the launch of the United Football League.
🫱🏼🫲🏾 United Football League
It's official: owners Dany Garcia & @TheRock announce the XFL & USFL merger.#UFL | #SpringFootball pic.twitter.com/CL3qlu4Gui
— XFL (@XFL2023) December 31, 2023
The new league will kick off in March 2024 with a matchup between the leagues’ defending champions, the Arlington Renegades and the Birmingham Stallions. The league will reportedly consist of eight teams, with five teams coming from the XFL and three coming from the USFL. According to The Washington Post, this is how the new eight-team UFL will look:
“The eight-team UFL will include five teams from the XFL: the D.C. Defenders (who will play home games at Audi Field), Arlington (Tex.) Renegades (Choctaw Stadium), Houston Roughnecks (home venue to be determined), San Antonio Brahmas (Alamodome) and the St. Louis Battlehawks (The Dome at America's Center). Three teams will come from the USFL: the Birmingham (Ala.) Stallions (Protective Stadium), Memphis Showboats (Liberty Stadium) and Michigan Panthers (Ford Field).
This means the Orlando Guardians, Seattle Sea Dragons and Vegas Vipers of the XFL and the Houston Gamblers, New Jersey Generals, New Orleans Breakers, Philadelphia Stars and Pittsburgh Maulers of the USFL will not be part of the UFL for the 2024 season.”
Previous iterations of the UFL, USFL, and XFL have existed and attempted to remain active and relevant multiple times over the last few decades, but all have eventually dissolved. But the landscape has perhaps never been more inviting for new sports leagues to launch, with round-the-clock media coverage and the emergence (and spreading legality) of sports betting providing new ways to reach and engage with fans.
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