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USFL-XFL Merger Aims to Offer Club Franchises for Sale Within 3-4 Years

The merger of USFL and XFL isn’t just about consolidating two spring football leagues. According to Larry Jones, a former Fox Sports EVP and consultant to the network, it marks the beginning of a strategic plan to sell club franchises in a few years, positioning the merged entity as a major player in the football space.


3 Key Points:

  • Strategic Ownership Structure: Fox Sports owns the USFL, while RedBird Capital Partners, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and Dany Garcia spearhead the ownership of the XFL.
  • Expansion Plan: Post-merger, the goal is to sell teams and expand equity beyond the existing ownership.
  • Distribution Channels: Fox looks poised to become a primary distributor, given past affiliations with both leagues.

Setting the Landscape:

In recent sports management discussions Sports Business Journals Ben Fischer noted, Larry Jones, a former Fox Sports EVP and current consultant, alluded to the future of the merged spring football league. The plan? In three to four years, venture out and sell club franchises. This is a significant move, as currently, Fox Sports wholly owns the USFL, and the XFL sees its ownership led by influential figures backed by RedBird Capital Partners.


The Path to Merging:

Announced on September 28th, the decision to merge the USFL and XFL came after a year of direct competition in the spring football realm. Such a merger not only combines resources but strategically positions the merged entity to potentially outdo what they achieved separately.


Regulatory Hurdles:

However, the merger isn’t a straightforward process. It is under the careful review of the Justice Department, ensuring that anti-trust clearance is appropriately handled. During this sensitive phase, both leagues have maintained discretion, offering minimal details to the public. XFL News Hub’s Mike Mitchell reported that the deal is done and it is just waiting for regulatory approval which could come by the end of the month.


Distribution Channels:

Larry Jones further indicated Fox’s intention to be one of the main distributors for the merged league. With USFL’s history with Fox Sports and NBC, and the XFL’s prior broadcasts on Disney platforms, the distribution strategy post-merger will be keenly observed. XFL News Hub has also reported that part of the deal would be all games on Broadcast TV and not on cable or stream. The goal to get as many eyes on the product as possible.


Equity Distribution – The Future:

The merger’s most intriguing aspect is the eventual plan to spread equity by selling teams. As emphasized by Larry Jones, the merged league intends to “go out to sell teams” within three years. This move, if realized, will potentially change the ownership dynamics and bring new stakeholders into the fold.


Prospects of Success:

The million-dollar question, however, remains: Will a unified spring league succeed better together than the two did individually? Historical data shows both leagues managed to survive independently, but neither showcased significant thriving potential. This merger, along with the planned equity distribution, could very well be the game-changer both leagues are banking on.


As the landscapes of USFL and XFL converge, the future of spring football is poised for an evolution. The strategy of selling club franchises might just be the winning touchdown both entities are aiming for. Only time will unveil if the merger will redefine spring football or merely be another play in the game.


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Mark Perry, a passionate sports journalist and the founder and editor of XFL News Hub, has been at the forefront of covering the XFL since its revival in 2018. Within days of the XFL's announced return, Mark initiated XFL News Hub to keep the fans abreast of every detail, game, and development of the league. Mark's extensive knowledge of the sport, combined with his unwavering dedication to providing comprehensive and accurate reporting, has made XFL News Hub the go-to platform for all things related to the XFL. His work over the years has brought him recognition in the world of sports journalism, solidifying his place as a leading voice in XFL coverage. Beyond just reporting, Mark believes in fostering a community around the XFL, engaging fans through his innovative content and discussions. If you have any inquiries, comments, or insights you'd like to share, Mark welcomes you to contact him directly at mark.perry@xflnewshub.com.

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Shimmy

    October 8, 2023 at 1:09 am

    This would be a step in the right direction, all games broadcast TV, Free Eyes on the product. Taking bids from communities, or private ownership, venting these applications over a 2,3 year period to relocate,or settle in current locations. My hope is to stay out of NFL markets, spread the game around. 2,3,4, year period I would believe, says our product is on solid ground. If there are proposals currently,I hope they are considered earlier. Cities like Orlando, San Antonio, Birmingham,Portland, Sacramento, have been in numerous leagues over the years, yet also San Diego St Louis,recent attendance marks in the AAF, XFL. there is many communities, all they need is a league that is solid, that allows that community to be involved with the team and the team to be involved in the community. thank you.

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