Last June it was revealed that the United States Football League would be returning in 2022. Not many details were known at the time of the announcement other than that the league would be targeting a minimum of eight teams that would be associated with cities. Other than that, announcements on coaches, rosters and everything else was listed as coming soon.
The news of the USFL’s reboot came via a short spot on FOX Sports from former New Jersey Generals quarterback Doug Flutie and was also aired during The Spring League season that was airing on FOX at the time.
The USFL is back! Catch all the action next year on FOX Sports.
Listen as @USFLOfficial’s iconic #22 @DougFlutie weighs in on the league’s return in 2022. pic.twitter.com/K0Hw0N54rp
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 3, 2021
After the announcement came news was dormant for many months, that is until we learned that the USFL was in talks with reps from Birmingham, AL to host the entirety of its inaugural season. Between Birmingham City Council and the Jefferson County Commission they pulled together $3.6M needed to host the season.
Part of the deal would also see Birmingham get two spots per game. Considering that a majority of the matchups are to take place on network television, this is fantastic exposure for the city.
Many have been expecting a formal announcement from FOX ever since the finances were approved by the city, although we’re still waiting we do have some news to talk about.
News: @FOXSports plans to relaunch the USFL in April, names executive team that includes @DarylJohnston, @MikePereira. https://t.co/kwUIOnODTE pic.twitter.com/qFocCa4hKF
— Ben Fischer (@BenFischerSBJ) November 17, 2021
Oh, and last but not least, new Fox Sports Senior VP/Digital Partnerships & Wagering @EJHartmanCA will be the USFL's EVP/business operations.
— Ben Fischer (@BenFischerSBJ) November 17, 2021
Ben Fisher of Sports Business Journal reports that Fox Sports will announce details on the USFL kick off, and has named an executive team led by co-Founder Brian Woods.
Brian Woods will serve as President of Football Operations for the new USFL.
Working with Woods are three veteran Fox employees:
- Daryl Johnston as Exec VP/Football Operations
- Mike Pereira as Head of Officiating
- Edward Hartman as Exec VP/Business Operations.
Hartman recently left a position at Fox Corp to become Fox Sports Senior VP/Digital Partnerships & Wagering. Additionally, Fox Sports CEO & Exec Producer Eric Shanks will serve as Chair of the USFL’s board.
Last night the USFL updated their website for the first time since it was revealed they were returning. There wasn’t much added to the site, but it did receive a complete graphical overhaul and was a huge indicator that news was coming.
It looks like the USFL means business with these hires and we can’t see who else jumps on board. FOX is expected to make their official announcement later today, so stay tuned to USFL Newsroom for all the latest updates.
Do you like the first set of USFL hires? Let us know down in the comments below or join the conversation on Discord.
