Key Points
- UFL Officially Announced: The merger of XFL and USFL forms the new United Football League.
- Leadership Team: Russ Brandon and Daryl Johnston to spearhead UFL.
- Initial Announcement: Dany Garcia and Dwayne Johnson first shared the news on FOX NFL Sunday.
UFL: A New Era in Spring Football
Today marks a groundbreaking moment in football history with the official announcement of the United Football League (UFL). This premier league, born from the merger of the XFL and USFL, is setting the stage for an innovative approach to spring football.
The 2024 UFL season is scheduled to begin on March 30, 2024. Leading the charge will be Russ Brandon, former President and CEO of the XFL, who will serve as the President and CEO of UFL. Joining him is Daryl Johnston, previously with the USFL, who will oversee football operations, ensuring a seamless blend of talent and expertise from both leagues.
Dany Garcia and Dwayne Johnson, renowned for their roles in sports and entertainment, made the initial announcement of the UFL’s formation during FOX NFL Sunday. Their involvement underscores the league’s commitment to blending sports with high-quality entertainment.
FOX Sports CEO Eric Shanks expressed enthusiasm for the future of spring football, citing the success of the USFL and the potential of the new UFL. He emphasized the league’s commitment to innovation and community-building. ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro echoed these sentiments, highlighting the UFL’s potential for engaging storytelling and fan-friendly innovations across various platforms.
Dany Garcia, as the driving force behind The Garcia Companies, emphasized the shared vision and passion for football that made this merger possible. She spoke of the UFL’s commitment to realizing and exceeding the dreams of everyone involved – from players to fans.
Dwayne Johnson, of Seven Bucks Companies, shared his vision of expanding the game of football, emphasizing opportunity, culture, and innovation. He expressed his excitement about building a league that resonates with fans and provides a platform for players to realize their professional dreams.
Finally, Gerry Cardinale of RedBird Capital Partners highlighted the unique combination of entertainment, marketing, broadcast reach, and strategic capital that forms the foundation of the UFL. He envisaged the UFL as a valuable and scalable live event entertainment platform, working closely with the NFL on innovation and player development.
This announcement from the UFL not only marks the start of a new chapter in spring football but also promises a league that combines entertainment, innovation, and opportunity in a way that has never been seen before in professional sports.
