It might just be happening. The USFL has officially filed trademarks for the National Spring Football League and NSFL brands, on September 22nd.
BREAKING: The USFL has filed for the National Spring Football League trademark (NSFL), per @KondoudisLaw.
Major news alongside the rumors we've been hearing lately regarding a #USFL–#XFL merger. pic.twitter.com/d2xbX3ceyG
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) September 27, 2023
The pieces are beginning to come together for a potential USFL-XFL merger. Since the news broke last week, rumors have run wild regarding how the framework would look.
We reported last week that a name change was certainly in play, as both leagues have been discussing new branding since these talks began.
BREAKING: The #USFL and #XFL are currently pursuing a new league name in regards to their merger discussions, confirmed by multiple sources.
Major development to watch closely. If the XFL-USFL merger goes through, it is extremely likely that we see an entirely new brand.
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) September 21, 2023
In addition, the NSFL brand is something we’ve closely watched over the last week. While the National Spring Football League wasn’t officially trademarked until a few days ago, it was already a subsidiary of FOX Sports, which owned the USFL team brands.
To address the rumors surrounding the "NSFL" brand regarding a USFL-XFL merger:
FOX Sports owns the "National Spring Football League Enterprises Co. (LLC)".
To correct a statement I made earlier in my article: The NSFL is NOT currently trademarked. It is rather a subsidiary of…
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) September 22, 2023
Now, the National Spring Football League name is 100% in play for a USFL-XFL merger. The deal hasn’t officially gone through, but if/when it does, it would make sense to see a branding change.
Final Thoughts
The question remains: who is running these discussions behind the scenes? We know that it was Redbird Capital, on the XFL’s side of things, who initiated these talks back in July.
Developing: Per source, hearing that it was Redbird Capital – on the XFL's side of things – who originally initiated internal discussions with the USFL.
Something to take into consideration regarding a potential #USFL & #XFL merger.
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) September 19, 2023
Considering it is the USFL who has filed for these trademarks, one would be led to believe that they might have more pull in these talks. They have already confirmed that they are set for season three, no matter what the outcome might be in regards to a merger.
I'm not sure if this has been discussed, but here's something I've been able to confirm.
If the merger doesn't happen the #USFL will play season 3 as expected.
— The REF (@TheRefSays) September 22, 2023
Nothing is set in stone as of now. In fact, this trademark might not mean anything in the long-term if a merger isn’t completed. That being said, this is a story to watch even more closely moving forward.
What are your thoughts on the National Spring Football League branding? Do you think the NSFL is too close to the NFL? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
