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XFL ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE MULTI-YEAR BROADCAST AGREEMENT WITH THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY AND ESPN

https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/xfl-...y-and-espn

I expect some sort of USFL/XFL merger in the near future...

The Rock is making moves

Hopefully it will do good

Don’t see much reason for them to merge anytime soon. One is Fox owned, one is ESPN backed. They have a different calendar and probably will stay that way so because ESPN has the NBA, NHL and MLB from April on …Fox wants an April-June product to compete with those sports

(05-17-2022 09:26 PM)DuelingDragon Wrote:  Don’t see much reason for them to merge anytime soon. One is Fox owned, one is ESPN backed. They have a different calendar and probably will stay that way so because ESPN has the NBA, NHL and MLB from April on …Fox wants an April-June product to compete with those sports

And, of course, ESPN doesn't share well...

Is there a market for two spring leagues?

(05-18-2022 12:23 PM)AssKickingChicken Wrote:  Is there a market for two spring leagues?

It's still only like one. The XFL regular season will run from February 18, 2023 - April 23, 2023. The USFL (if it sticks to the same as this season) will run from April14, 2023 - June 10, 2023. That's only a 2 week overlap of regular seasons.

There’s definitely room for two. Both could double in size and still only have the same combined teams as the NFL. They’re going to compete for players but not really compete for viewers or ad dollars as long as their seasons stay where they are

Both leagues are blocking signees from signing with the other league through the length of the contracts some or which are for 3 years. USFL also increased roster sizes to grab more players. It may take a year or 2, but eventually there will be a single Spring league.

(05-18-2022 12:23 PM)AssKickingChicken Wrote:  Is there a market for two spring leagues?

And are there enough players available for both leagues to keep it an entertaining, competitive, and viable product?

Last I heard XFL was considering playing in a central location like the USFL. But I’ve also seen where the XFL has agreed to stadium contracts in Houston and St Louis, not sure where else the XFL will have home teams(San Antonio I’m sure). A little disappointed these leagues are so NFL city heavy.

One thing I’m not interested in seeing is players finish their season with the XFL, and then play a week later with the USFL. Player pool does need to be different, hope that continues.

(05-19-2022 11:50 AM)Usajags Wrote:  Last I heard XFL was considering playing in a central location like the USFL. But I’ve also seen where the XFL has agreed to stadium contracts in Houston and St Louis, not sure where else the XFL will have home teams(San Antonio I’m sure). A little disappointed these leagues are so NFL city heavy.

One thing I’m not interested in seeing is players finish their season with the XFL, and then play a week later with the USFL. Player pool does need to be different, hope that continues.

Cities that ought to have spring league franchises instead of existing NFL cities
Bham
San Diego
St. Louis
San Antonio
Salt Lake City
Lousiville
Orlando
Memphis
Austin
Columbus Ohio
Columbia SC
Sacramento
Tucson
Alburquerque
Portland

The season starts today if anyone is interested

I am curious as to how the XFL does. Is it an advantage to be starting before the USFL?

I am not sure if is. I actually want a break from football and will be missing it and ready for it by April when the USFL starts and March Madness is over

We have ZERO UAB players on XFL teams this year, correct?
I know we have a good bit of players in USFL.

Did anyone see the games today, how were they???

It was ok. I didn’t hate it. Just no rooting interest in team or players. If it’s on and I’m not doing anything I’ll watch it but I won’t go out of my way to do so.

I hope both spring leagues thrive. There is room for both

(02-19-2023 12:49 PM)DuelingDragon Wrote:  I hope both spring leagues thrive. There is room for both

I don't think there is.

Eh, as far as players go, there is. There are 32 nfl teams, 16 total for the two spring leagues. That is a reasonable ratio. Up for debate is whether there are the sponsor and network dollars for one, much less too.

Right now as long as the numbers of eyeballs are working and there are sponsors and networks willing to televise it there is plenty of room. As far as players there is no question there. They are basically minor leagues for the NFL without saying they are. I have more interest in the USFL but will watch this league if a game is on. It wasn't bad football.

I do wonder after expansion which league will become more dominate and will there be a merger down the road and that could force the issue later on one or two leagues but for right now it should be fine. Will be interesting to see if the numbers are comparable to the USFL.