LOS ANGELES: The United States Football League, an “upstart” league that lasted all of two seasons and has not been seen since 1985, has announced a return in the spring of 2022.
Initially launched in 1983, the USFL originally was an upstart spring (American) football league consisting of 12 teams which featured young football stars. When relaunched next year, the new USFL retains rights to key original team names.
In its new avatar, the USFL will target a minimum of eight teams instead of the 12 it initially consisted of and will utilize Fox Sports as its broadcast partner.
Fox Sports will serve as the official broadcast partner for the USFL and also owns a minority equity stake in the company that owns the USFL.
“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.”
“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.
