USFL, XFL reveal brand-new league name in merger: United Football League

History was made on New Year’s Eve, as the United Football League (the “UFL”), the new premier spring football league, was born from the merger of the XFL and USFL. 

Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia signedupwith Sunday’s edition of “FOX NFL Sunday” to reveal the news. More details concerning group markets and football operations will come at a lateron date. 

“From day one, our objective hasactually been to broaden the videogame of football and be a league of chance, culture and development,” Johnson, Founder and CEO of Seven Bucks Companies, stated in a press release. “As we come together to develop the UFL, we can construct something effective, interesting and really cool for football fans — a spring league with enduring effect for all the gamers with a dream to play professional football and the ‘hardest employees in the space’ mindset to make their dreams come real.” 

Russ Brandon, previous President and CEO of the XFL, will serve as President and CEO of the UFL. Daryl Johnston, previous USFL Pcitizen of Football Operations, will lead football operations for the UFL. 

The UFL’s inaugural videogame will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2024, between the Arlington Renegades (2023 XFL champs) and Birmingham Stallions (2023 USFL champs). 

“The dream for me was to play in the NFL. I constantly liked to state I’m gamer 54 on a 53-man lineup,” Johnson stated on “FOX NFL Sunday.” “Imagine all those 54s out there, you inform them, ‘You’ve got one more possibility in the UFL,’ and then to go on to the NFL, possibly — how do you believe they’ll play? They’re gonna ball out.”

“FOX is football, and the success of the USFL hasactually tested that there’s a brilliant future for spring football. The chance to bring together our 2 leagues — each with a dedication to advancing broadcast practices, guideline developments and the neighborhood — just furthers the prospective of the United Football League and solidifies its area on the sports calendar,” included Eric Shanks, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Producer of FOX Sports. 

ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro echoed Shanks’ remarks on development and neighborhood, including that “with engaging storytelling throughout standard and digital platforms, fan-friendly developments, and significant reach, this visionary league is well-positioned, and we appearance forward to our continued cooperation.”

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