Since The Spring League came around, many have speculated that the end-game would be a revival of the United States Football League (USFL). Well, due to their huge broadcast deal with FOX, it seems that the rumors have become a reality.
Just now, the USFL announced that the league will officially return in the spring of 2022 with Fox Sports signed on as its official broadcast partner.
Brian Woods, co-founder of the new USFL and founder and CEO of The Spring League (TSL) had this to say:
“I’m extremely passionate about football and the opportunity to work with FOX Sports and to bring back the USFL in 2022 was an endeavor worth pursuing,” says Woods. “We look forward to providing players a new opportunity to compete in a professional football league and giving fans everywhere the best football viewing product possible during what is typically a period devoid of professional football.”
As you may know the USFL originally launched in 1983, with 12 teams and was arguably the most recognized spring football league in history. The new USFL will retain the rights to, what they call, “key original team names.” We’ve already seen this with The Spring League’s Generals. Now, it’s not a matter of if other teams will return, it’s which ones.
Similar to The Spring League, XFL and AAF, the league is targeting to have eight teams… at minimum. Meaning, we could see an expansion to the existing TSL team-set.
Fox Sports will serve as the official broadcast partner for the USFL. Fox Sports also owns a minority equity stake in the company that owns the USFL.
“The relaunch of the USFL is a landmark day for football fans and FOX Sports,” adds Eric Shanks, CEO and Executive Producer, Fox Sports. “Football is in our DNA and the return of this innovative and iconic league is a fantastic addition to our robust slate of football programming.”
Former USFL Legend Doug Flutie, jumped on FOX Sports to weigh in on this major news.
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
The new USFL has already launched a website, which will include more information on cities, teams, head coached, schedules and more. At the moment, there’s not much information listed, but updates should be coming soon.
What do you think of this huge announcement? Do you plan on tuning into the USFL next year? Let us know your thoughts down in the comments below or join the conversation on Discord.
You can read the full press release from the USFL below:
The United States Football League Returns in 2022
FOX Sports to Serve as Official Broadcast Partner for the USFL
Los Angeles – Today, the United States Football League (USFL) announced that the league will officially return in the spring of 2022.
Initially launched in 1983, the USFL originally was an upstart spring football league consisting of 12 teams which featured some of the most exciting and recognizable young football stars in the country. When relaunched next year, the new USFL retains rights to key original team names.
The league will target a minimum of eight teams and deliver high-quality, innovative professional football to fans throughout the spring season.
“I’m extremely passionate about football and the opportunity to work with FOX Sports and to bring back the USFL in 2022 was an endeavor worth pursuing,” said Brian Woods, co-founder of the new USFL and founder and CEO of The Spring League (TSL). “We look forward to providing players a new opportunity to compete in a professional football league and giving fans everywhere the best football viewing product possible during what is typically a period devoid of professional football.”
FOX Sports will serve as the official broadcast partner for the USFL. FOX Sports also owns a minority equity stake in the company that owns the USFL.
“The relaunch of the USFL is a landmark day for football fans and FOX Sports,” said Eric Shanks, CEO and Executive Producer, FOX Sports. “Football is in our DNA and the return of this innovative and iconic league is a fantastic addition to our robust slate of football programming.”
More information on the USFL, including cities, teams, head coaches, and game schedules, will be announced at a later date.
