On Thursday, June 3, 2021, it was announced by Fox Sports PR and Pro-Football Legend Doug Flutie that the United States Football League would be making a return in the Spring of 2022. The newly relaunched USFL will look to kick off with a minimum of 8 teams, ideally playing in (currently unannounced) market cities, and will be owned and operated by The Spring Leagues' CEO Brian Woods, along with FOX Sports owning a minority stake. Additionally, FOX Sports will serve as the league's official broadcasting partner, as they look to deliver high-quality and innovative professional football to fans during the spring.
In regards to reviving the USFL, Brian Woods said in a statement,
“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; 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.”
The original iteration of the USFL played 3 seasons from 1983 to 1985, only to fail after out-of-control spending and a very poorly thought out plan led by Donald Trump, owner of the New Jersey Generals, to compete directly against the NFL, and moving their season from Spring to Fall. They began with 12 teams mostly in major markets, would expand to 18 teams in 1984, and then contract down to 14 teams in 1985.
Although the league failed, its short run was considered a success by many due to the level of on-field play. In Addition, a number of players would move on from the USFL following its death to the NFL and become some of the greats. For example, Reggie White, Herschel Walker, Doug Flutie, Steve Young, Jim Kelly, and 11 other USFL players would make the NFL Pro Bowl only 1 year after the USFL folded.
With the XFL likely not hitting the field until 2023, Brian Woods and the USFL look to capitalize on this gap without spring football and establish themselves at the forefront. This may not be the best news for the XFL and their ownership group, but in terms of creating more opportunities, it's great.
We are in a time where there are becoming more opportunities to play football outside of the NFL than ever before. Between the CFL, USFL, XFL, TSL, ELF, FCF, and more, there has never been a better time to find opportunities to play football.
More information on the USFL, market cities, team names, coaches, and the season schedule, will be announced at a later date.