There’s always interest when a new league pops up with the intent of being a pro league instead of a semi-pro league such as the Alliance of American Football. Also of interest are revived leagues such as the XFL and now the United States Football League.
The New USFL Is Making Moves as April 2022 Debut Nears: Will Be Based in Birmingham
Like the original USFL, it will be working with a spring season, a smaller league of eight teams, and—for the first season—basing its games out of central location. Birmingham, Alabama was announced as the league’s home starting out.
While XFL 2020 seemed a bit on the rushed side to revive and was clapped into oblivion by COVID-19, the backers of this new USFL have had the time to scan the landscape, get its funding up, and plan the progress of the league.
The goal for any new league looking to either challenge the NFL or become an alternative to the long-standing league is to make a full season. The original USFL managed to run from 1983 until 1985 before teams died out and a lawsuit against the NFL but the nails in its coffin.
If anything, this new USFL will provide pro football fans some gridiron action during the NFL’s off-season. Heading up the USFL will be FOX Sports which will televise games and Brian Woods and the feeder leagues the Fall Experimental Football League and The Spring League during the 2010s.
Woods managed to pick up the trademarks to the United States Football League and presented a league with none on the legal ties to the original. FOX Sports is rumored to be sinking $150-200 million for three years to keep the league afloat. There is also an expected $250 million coming in from investors.
Base, Teams, and Benefits
The USFL will be based out of Birmingham, Alabama—the Magic City, baby—and games will be played at the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Protective Stadium as well as the legendary Legion Field during the first season as part of a “bubble season” approach. This approach is expected to continue until the third season when teams will be expected to play in their home cities.
Eight teams have been announced for the league and are pretty much throwbacks to the 80s league with the Birmingham Stallions, Houston Gamblers, New Orleans Breakers, and the Tampa Bay Breakers making up the Southern Division.
The Northern Division will include the Pittsburgh Maulers, Philadelphia Stars, Michigan Panthers, and New Jersey Generals. Players and staff will receive tuition and debt-free college education thanks to a deal with Strayer University and Capella University.
As for the contracts, the active team roster gets $45,000 and the practice squad receives $15,000. Both teams will be paid $600 weekly for training camp, $850 per player per win, and $10,000 for claiming the championship.
If you’re interested in checking out the league, their first game will be the Birmingham Stallions taking on the New Jersey Generals on April 16. The game will air on FOX at 7:30/6:30 PM Central. Should you happen to be in the Magic City, tickets will be $10 with kids 15 and under get in free.
What do you guys think? Does the USFL sound intriguing? Do you expect another football flop? Let us know in the comments!
SUBSCRIBE NOW: To get The Overtimer’s Hottest Stories, Breaking News and Special Features in your email, CLICK HERE!
Remember to stay up to date with the latest news on TheOvertimer. Don’t forget to visit ScreenJuicer for great videos, news, and gameplay!
