The United States Football League (USFL) and the XFL jointly announced on Thursday that the two leagues intend to merge ahead of the 2024 season subject to regulatory approval.
“Today, the United States Football League (“USFL”) and the XFL announced their intention to merge. Subject to customary regulatory approvals and if the transaction is consummated, the new league will establish best-in-class operations based on the most recent seasons of both leagues. This historic combination will anchor professional spring football with substantial capabilities and resources to ensure future growth and continue to enhance the development of the collective players, coaches, and staff that are coming together. More details regarding the new league will be announced at a later date.”
The USFL also sent out a letter to all players who currently play in the USFL to announce its intent to merge with the XFL.
Last week, Sportico and Axios broke the story that the two leagues were discussing a merger that would make the two spring football leagues become one. Since the announcement, it has been speculated that the merged league will undergo a name change. On Wednesday, the USFL filed 22 trademarks for the National Spring Football League.
In addition, a report by Pro Football Newsroom’s James Larsen said that not all 16 teams will play in 2024. Larsen said “Hearing that organizations without venues currently secured are in hot water. Something to keep a close eye on, more details coming soon.”
This would mean that the New Jersey Generals, Pittsburgh Maulers, Vegas Vipers, Philadelphia Stars, Houston Gamblers, and New Orleans Breakers might not play in 2024. The intent merges league plans to play 10 to 12 teams with some playing in hub cities. More details will be released at a later date.
The last time two major football leagues merged was in 1966 with the American Football League and the National Football League. The two leagues played a separate schedule under the merger agreement from 1966 through 1969 before fully merging in 1970.
The two leagues created two conferences resembling both leagues with the AFC and NFL, and created the most-watched event in sports history known as the Super Bowl.
While more work still needs to be done behind the scenes depending on if the merger goes through, both leagues are looking to solidify their mark in spring football for years to come.
