According to a report by Bloomberg Law, Brian Michael Cooper, former president of the Houston Roughnecks, is part of the law team that is helping the new USFL kick off in the spring of 2022.
After the XFL ended its season and eventually filed for bankruptcy, Cooper went to work for the Houston law firm Frost Todd Brown, who also represents The Spring League and its CEO Brian Woods.
Earlier this month, an announcement via FOX Sports said the new version of the 1980s league would begin play next year, with FOX as their broadcasting partner. The Spring League has been snatching up USFL trademarks since January.
Eric Lamb, the IP attorney for the firm Frost Todd Brown, is the lawyer of record on the United States Patent and Trademark Office website that lists the acquired IP.
Woods said this in a statement recently about the upstart 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. 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.”
Brian Woods
Cooper has a long history in representing sports interests. Before working with the XFL, he did his own sports and entertainment consulting at the firm Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith.
Not clear yet how this will ultimately affect the XFL’s return, which had been set for 2022, but since been paused while they engage in negotiations with the CFL.
But it’s clear that the ball keeps rolling. Spring football is something fans desire, and players need. The new USFL could fill the void left, and it’s good to see a familiar name involved.
We wish him nothing but the best.
