Is Houston Out In The New XFL-USFL Merged League?

The recent announcement of the merger between the XFL and USFL has sparked widespread speculation and intrigue within the world of American football. This development has particularly resonated in Houston, a city that currently hosts teams in both leagues – the XFL’s Houston Roughnecks and the USFL’s Houston Gamblers. The central question now is: With the impending merger, what does the future hold for these Houston-based teams?

Houston’s Current Football Landscape

Houston’s football scene has been vibrant, especially with the Roughnecks establishing themselves as a formidable force in the XFL. Their performance in the 2023 season was particularly noteworthy, boasting one of the league’s best defenses. Key players like Trent Harris, Tim Ward, C.J. Brewer, and Jack Heflin played pivotal roles in cementing this reputation. The Roughnecks’ defense along with a potent offense was a cornerstone of their impressive 2024 season​​.

However, the landscape began to shift dramatically with the merger news. The existence of two teams in one city posed a unique dilemma. How stays and who goes and where will they play.

Venue Challenges for a Houston Team

The Roughnecks faced a significant hurdle with their home venue for 2024, TDECU Stadium, scheduled for renovations in 2024. This development left them without a home and left league officials scrambling to find a new venue. One that has still not yet been secured.

On the other hand, the USFL’s Houston Gamblers had been playing their games at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee, a considerable distance from their namesake city. It looks like in the new merged XFL-USFL, there will be no hub cities.

Roster Changes and Implications

In a move that raised eyebrows, the Roughnecks released several key players on December 15, 2023. The list included Travell Harris, Cole McDonald, Raleigh Texada, and several others who were integral to the team’s success. This mass release of players, especially those who had significantly contributed to the team’s defensive prowess, hinted at a possible wind-down of the team’s operations in light of the merger​​. Rumblings from player agents say they were let go to let them find new homes before a dispersals draft in 2024.

The @XFLBattlehawks have acquired the rights of @max_borghi.

Borghi rushed for 310 yards and 6TDs for HOU in 2023 and looks to become a major piece in St. Louis’ 24 plans

The @XFLRoughnecks also have released several players on Friday night.@SSN_WSU | @WSUCougarFB | pic.twitter.com/y4rZ5ayiZu

— Pat R (@ByPatRifino) December 16, 2023

The departure of Max Borghi, a standout running back for the Roughnecks, to the St. Louis Battlehawks, further fueled these speculations. Borghi’s transfer, given his impressive record of 310 yards and 6 touchdowns in the 2023 season, was a significant indicator of the team’s shifting dynamics. Such movements are often seen as preparatory steps for larger structural changes within sports teams​​.

Coaching Changes

Adding to the uncertainty, the Roughnecks’ defensive coordinator, Brian Stewart, left for a collegiate coaching position with Middle Tennessee. His departure was notable given his contribution to the team’s defensive success. The coaching staff’s changes, coupled with the player releases, painted a picture of a team in transition, possibly gearing up for a future that might not include participation in the new league’s inaugural season.

Speculations on Houston’s Future in the Merged League

The emerging structure of the merged league has been a subject of much speculation. Insider sources suggest that the new league, potentially named the UFL, though we are hearing they will keep the XFL name, will start with eight teams in 2024. Cities like Arlington, San Antonio, St. Louis, DC, Birmingham, Michigan, and Memphis are touted as likely hosts for these teams. However, these details remain unconfirmed, leaving room for adjustments and surprises​​​​.

In this context, the fate of Houston’s teams is particularly uncertain. The possibility of the Seattle Sea Dragons or Orlando Guardians filling the eighth team slot instead of a Houston-based team is a topic of active discussion among league officials, fans and analysts. While Houston’s status as a major city and its conducive spring weather make it an ideal location for a team, the current venue and team challenges complicate this outlook​​​​.

The uncertainty surrounding Houston’s inclusion in the newly merged league is not just a matter of logistics and player management. It goes deeper, touching upon the very identity and fan base of the city’s football culture. The Roughnecks and Gamblers have their distinct histories and supporter groups, and the merger brings up questions about how these will be reconciled in a new league format.

The Roughnecks’ continued sale of season tickets adds another layer of complexity to the situation. It indicates a business-as-usual approach on one hand, but on the other, it raises questions about the team’s long-term plans in light of the extensive player and coaching staff changes.

We, like fans, players, coaches and staff have to wait till final word comes from the league. The clock is ticking with almost 100 days till kick off and Christmas right around the corner.