Tag: USFL

Merged XFL-USFL (United Football League) Sets 8 Markets, Tabs Coaches, Sets Opener

The newly formed United Football League has set its eight markets and secured head coaches for each team as it continues its march toward a March 2024 debut on the field, the league announced Monday.

UFL confirm that its March 30 opener will be played between the leagues’ 2023 champions: the Arlington Renegades (XFL) and Birmingham Stallions (USFL).

The UFL will remain in four XFL markets, three from the USFL and one that the now-merged leagues shared. The eight teams, all of which are located in either the Eastern or Central time zones, will be split into two conferences that are named after the leagues that formed them. Four XFL coaches and four USFL coaches were retained.

The full breakdown with each team’s coach:

USFL conference

  • Birmingham Stallions: Skip Holtz
  • Houston Roughnecks: Curtis Johnson
  • Memphis Showboats: John DeFilippo
  • Michigan Panthers: Mike Nolan

XFL conference

  • Arlington Renegades: Bob Stoops
  • D.C. Defenders: Reggie Barlow
  • San Antonio Brahmas: Wade Phillips
  • St. Louis Battlehawks: Anthony Becht

Both leagues had teams in Houston in 2023. The UFL kept the XFL team’s brand and tapped the USFL team’s coach.

UFL players will report to training camp Feb. 24 in Arlington, Texas, where the XFL trained last season. Its teams will play a 10-game regular season, starting March 30 with a matchup between Birmingham and Arlington.

The USFL and XFL played separate, partially overlapping schedules in 2023. The leagues announced an intent to merge Sept. 28 and received approval from federal regulators Nov. 30.

The XFL had previously discussed a partnership with the Canadian Football League in 2021, but negotiations did not lead to an agreement.

Source: ESPN

Merger between Dwayne Johnson’s XFL and USFL approved for March 2024 launch

A report from Sports Business Journal has indicated that federal regulators have approved the merger of the XFL and the USFL.

The combined league is now set for its debut on March 30, 2024 to play a combined season, with terms being finalized of the definitive agreement per a statement from both parties.

The USFL, owned by Fox Sports, re-launched in 2021, while the XFL was purchased by RedBird Capital Partners, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and Dany Garcia before playing a full season in 2022, following a shortened season in 2020.

Source: NBCSports via eWn

Merger Announced By XFL & USFL

The XFL and USFL have announced their intent to merge. The following was sent to us:

XFL AND USFL ANNOUNCE INTENT TO MERGE

NEW YORK – September 28, 2023 – Today, the United States Football League (“USFL”) and the XFL announced their intention to merge.

Subject to customary regulatory approvals and if the transaction is consummated, the new league will establish best-in-class operations based on the most recent seasons of both leagues.  This historic combination will anchor professional spring football with substantial capabilities and resources to ensure future growth and continue to enhance the development of the collective players, coaches, and staff that are coming together. 

More details regarding the new league will be announced at a later date. 

About the United States Football League (USFL):

Fast, physical, and fun, the USFL is a fan-first, stand-alone professional spring football league. Run by experienced football leaders, the USFL kicked-off season 2 on April 15, 2023, becoming the first nationally televised spring league in 38 years to begin a second season. FOX Sports and NBC Sports are official media partners, presenting all 43 regular- and postseason games for the eight-team league that plays in Canton, Ohio, Birmingham, Ala., Memphis, Tenn, and Detroit. Former NFL Dallas Cowboys player and current FOX NFL analyst Daryl Johnston is President of Football Operations. Former NFL Vice President of Officiating and current FOX NFL analyst Mike Pereira is Head of Officiating. “United By Football,” USFL fans can find scheduling and ticketing information at theUSFL.com and follow on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

About the XFL:

The XFL is a fan-first, fast-paced global professional football league with innovative rules and an enhanced 360-degree game experience. Anchored in world-class football, the XFL brings entertainment and innovation to advance the sport, expand player opportunities, and change the way that fans experience the game. The XFL has eight teams in Arlington (TX), Houston (TX), Las Vegas (NV), Orlando (FL), San Antonio (TX), Seattle (WA), St. Louis (MO), and Washington D.C. The XFL is owned by Dany Garcia, Dwayne Johnson, and Gerry Cardinale’s RedBird Capital Partners and launched in February 2023.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are based on USFL and XFL management’s current expectations and beliefs and subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances.  The transaction is subject to execution of definitive documentation and satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

Source: eWn

REPORT: The XFL Talks With USFL About A Merger

The XFL, owned by Dani Garcia, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Gerry Cardinale’s RedBird Capital may merge with the USFL.

The XFL was purchased by Garcia, Johnson, and RedBird Capital in 2021 after Vince McMahon shut down the league due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The league made a deal with Disney to broadcast games on ESPN, FX, and ABC.

The inaugural season took place earlier this year, with the Arlington Renegades winning the championship.

Axios.com reports that the XFL is in advanced talks to merge with the USFL, with a 50/50 merger and games broadcast on FOX and Disney-owned stations. Sportico also reports the two leagues are in talks.