Has the XFL and the USFL given any thought to possibly merging?? I do hope that the only USFL team staying in Birmingham is the Stallions, and the other USFL teams actually go to the cities that they are supposed to represent also.

I do wonder what a combined USFL/XFL would look like though. What would the rules be, what teams would stay, and which would be relocated?? I would love to see the NFL get a true competitor besides college football. It seems like it's impossible to challenge the NFL though. Recruits, players, and coaches would rather be in the NFL than build a noteworthy competitor, IMO.

I think the XFL actually got some NFL invested money, nothing any other league has. Will it be enough to sustain it long term? I don't know. I do know the AAF tried repeatedly to land NFL investment and couldn't which led to it's late season demise. At least I have the memories of seeing Johnny Manziel play (tongue in cheek sarcasm) here in Memphis. Also saw our coach, Mike Singletary, nearly have a Woody Hayes type moment with one of the officials. Good times.

(05-06-2022 10:14 AM)UofMark Wrote:  I think the XFL actually got some NFL invested money, nothing any other league has. Will it be enough to sustain it long term? I don't know. I do know the AAF tried repeatedly to land NFL investment and couldn't which led to it's late season demise. At least I have the memories of seeing Johnny Manziel play (tongue in cheek sarcasm) here in Memphis. Also saw our coach, Mike Singletary, nearly have a Woody Hayes type moment with one of the officials. Good times.

I'm not sure if there's any monetary investment, but I do recall that the XFL will be the lab for new NFL rules as well as training referees. Whether or not they have monetary investment, it is clear that they at least have NFL backing.

The XFL/NFL are partnering in regards to rules, equipment, and safety protocols, but it's unclear if money is exchanged.

All the recent spring leagues: AAF. XFL 2020, USFL and XFL 2023 have used or will use the college official who are part of the NFL's Officiating Development Program.

XFL has a relationship with the NFL Alumni Academy.

"The NFL Alumni Academy runs an in-season training program in Canton, Ohio to create a pool of players who are ready to join teams in the event of injuries or other issues that leave them short on players. The exclusive agreement with the XFL is designed to train players who would become available to the league after the end of the 2022 NFL season. Players who participate in the program will receive an opt-in contract with the XFL, which is expected to have eight teams for the 2023 season."
https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20...p-players/

As for merging, unlikely. XFL previously tried to have an agreement with the CFL and failed. USFL is a made for TV project which FOX has inexpensive weekend programming and a pathway to bettors via FOXBET.