In the sports world, a name carries weight, legacy, and fan expectations. With the ongoing merger talks between the XFL and the USFL, one question that’s been buzzing around is whether the league will adopt a new name. Here’s what we know so far.
A New Name and Logo?
According to our sources, preparations for a new league name and logo are already in the works. This suggests that both leagues are anticipating a new branding strategy that could unite their legacies under a fresh identity.
Both the XFL and USFL are legacy brands with dedicated fan bases. Merging under either of the existing names poses the risk of alienating the other’s fan base.
Pros of Using Existing Names:
Brand Recognition: Both names are widely recognized, reducing the need for an extensive marketing campaign.
Fan Loyalty: Maintaining one of the existing names retains a core group of dedicated fans.
Cons of Using Existing Names:
Alienation: Using one name could risk losing fans who were loyal to the other league even though the teams are part of the new league.
Confusion: Fans could be confused about what the merger means for the league they supported.
Merchandise Discount: A Sign?
Both leagues have been discounting merchandise for the past two months. While this could be a strategy to clear out stock, it also aligns with the timeline for a rebrand, offering further credibility to the speculation.
Duration of the Talks
Reports indicate that the two leagues have been in discussions since July, if not earlier. This duration suggests that the talks are advanced and that the naming issue is likely near resolution.
Pros and Cons of a New League Name
Pros:
Fresh Start: A new name allows the league to market itself as an exciting, brand-new entity.
Unified Fan Base: A new name could potentially draw fans from both legacy leagues without the feeling of alienation.
Cons:
Brand Building: A new name would require a comprehensive branding and marketing strategy from scratch.
Fan Recognition: A new name would start without the built-in fan base that XFL and USFL currently enjoy.
Spending Money: In order to get a new logo and brand, you need to spend the money to design it. You also need a new domain and website built. We had heard that neither league was happy with their current websites, so that could be a good thing.
Merchandise: All of the merchandise in stock that currently has XFL and USFL logos on it are somewhat worthless
The Path Forward is Still Fluid
While the talks are advanced, it’s crucial to note that things like contracts, the USFL’s player union, and government approval are still on the table. The final decision on the league name will be a significant step in a series of upcoming announcements that will shape the future of Spring football.
Stay tuned to XFL News Hub for the latest updates on this developing story.
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Mark Perry, a devoted sports journalist and founder of XFL News Hub, has been a key figure in XFL coverage since its 2018 revival. Launching XFL News Hub soon after the league's return announcement, Mark has established the platform as a primary source for comprehensive XFL updates. Renowned for his in-depth knowledge and commitment to sports journalism, Mark actively engages the XFL community, welcoming interactions at mark.perry@xflnewshub.com.
4 Comments
4 Comments
4th&long
September 21, 2023 at 9:49 am
I’m with you Mark. Use one of the existing names – this is a waste. I prefer USFL but if its XFL I’ll live. I’ll live with a new brand too but starting from scratch is loses what we’ved watch from 2018 on.
I feel starting with a new league name will alleviate alienating either leagues fans. I do like traditional regional when it comes to divisions. I don’t like the Arlington hub. I prefer the stipend paid by the league to the players for living expenses, but that the players live in or around their cities. This allows for a true home field advantage instead of the circus just moving from town to town and cuts travel costs amazingly. IE If the Generals lets say played in Paterson, they could bus to Phillie and DC and those teams can easily bus to Jersey. The Stallions easily bus to Yulman Stadium or the Gold Mine on the Airline to watch the Breakers or to Memphis to play the Showboats and vice verse. There should be some type of travel between the Texas teams as well. Half the teams traveling means half the expense. by playing two games within your division it helps with busing needs. I am not going to sit in the sun in Birmingham, New Orleans, Houston or Memphis in June so move it back to 2nd weekend in March through end of May. If this doesn’t work, it doesn’t work, but you need to put your best foot forward while paying attention to expenses. This is doing that.
To me, to not alienate either the USFL fans or the XFL fans, there would need to be a new league name. I prefer the USFL’s method of paying a stipend to the players to help pay for rent etc over actually having the Hub in Arlington. This will help with expenses. Another help with expenses will be having teams in their own divisions that are close enough to bus so that there is even more of a cost savings. You then have them play each other twice. If the Generals played in Paterson, they can bus from the New Jersey to either Philadelphia or DC and vice verse. Same for Birmingham traveling to Yulman Stadium or Shrine on the airline to play the Breakers or up to Memphis to play the Showboats. Memphis is not all that far from St. Louis and the Texas teams can all bus to each other. This would cause us to have traditional divisions taking away the XFL and USFL divisions. One of the largest reasons companies merge is for cost-cutting. To me, this would cost cut. To signify the bold colors and style of the USFL, they will keep their colors, but they will also have a patch a USFL patch on the uniform. The XFL tends to be more about being dark and matte style. They can keep that and have the XFL insignia on their uniforms. We bring the stats together as they both played the same amount of games. It would be funny if this was all fake. Think of the free press. LOL!
4th&long
September 21, 2023 at 9:49 am
I’m with you Mark. Use one of the existing names – this is a waste. I prefer USFL but if its XFL I’ll live. I’ll live with a new brand too but starting from scratch is loses what we’ved watch from 2018 on.
Ken Granito
September 21, 2023 at 3:40 pm
I feel starting with a new league name will alleviate alienating either leagues fans. I do like traditional regional when it comes to divisions. I don’t like the Arlington hub. I prefer the stipend paid by the league to the players for living expenses, but that the players live in or around their cities. This allows for a true home field advantage instead of the circus just moving from town to town and cuts travel costs amazingly. IE If the Generals lets say played in Paterson, they could bus to Phillie and DC and those teams can easily bus to Jersey. The Stallions easily bus to Yulman Stadium or the Gold Mine on the Airline to watch the Breakers or to Memphis to play the Showboats and vice verse. There should be some type of travel between the Texas teams as well. Half the teams traveling means half the expense. by playing two games within your division it helps with busing needs. I am not going to sit in the sun in Birmingham, New Orleans, Houston or Memphis in June so move it back to 2nd weekend in March through end of May. If this doesn’t work, it doesn’t work, but you need to put your best foot forward while paying attention to expenses. This is doing that.
Ken Granito
September 21, 2023 at 4:07 pm
To me, to not alienate either the USFL fans or the XFL fans, there would need to be a new league name. I prefer the USFL’s method of paying a stipend to the players to help pay for rent etc over actually having the Hub in Arlington. This will help with expenses. Another help with expenses will be having teams in their own divisions that are close enough to bus so that there is even more of a cost savings. You then have them play each other twice. If the Generals played in Paterson, they can bus from the New Jersey to either Philadelphia or DC and vice verse. Same for Birmingham traveling to Yulman Stadium or Shrine on the airline to play the Breakers or up to Memphis to play the Showboats. Memphis is not all that far from St. Louis and the Texas teams can all bus to each other. This would cause us to have traditional divisions taking away the XFL and USFL divisions. One of the largest reasons companies merge is for cost-cutting. To me, this would cost cut. To signify the bold colors and style of the USFL, they will keep their colors, but they will also have a patch a USFL patch on the uniform. The XFL tends to be more about being dark and matte style. They can keep that and have the XFL insignia on their uniforms. We bring the stats together as they both played the same amount of games. It would be funny if this was all fake. Think of the free press. LOL!
James
September 28, 2023 at 11:52 am
I think they should go with the name USXFL. That wouldn’t alienate anyone.