Today, in a show of solidarity, the NFLPA released the following statement on social media. What makes this even more interesting is the NFL Players union called out FOX Sports, by name.
We’re proud to stand in solidarity with the players of the UFL as they fights for a contract ahead of the UFL season. It’s time for FOX Sports and other UFL owners to show the players respect and give them the fair wages and healthcare coverage that they deserve.
UFL News Hub has reported in the past how the NFLPA had the option to have UFL players under their umbrella when their agreement with the United Steelworkers (USW) ended in 2024. The NFL players union chose pretty quickly not to get involved with the UFL.
We have heard from sources all off season that during most of the big UFL upper management meetings, there is always a representative from the NFL on the call. This is the first time the NFLPA has gotten involved with any Spring Leagues at any time. There was silence from the NFLPA when the XFL declared bankruptcy during COVID.
We have been hearing from sources that the labor strife was just a couple disgruntled UFL players upset over pay. Most of the players would not walkout and plan on playing on day one March 28th. With the NFLPA getting involved, that might not be the case.
What makes this statement even more interesting is the NFLPA calling out FOX Sports specifically. Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson would have been better, more media grabbing target, but we have heard that he has little involvement with the merged league.
ESPN or Disney would have moved the media attention needle more so, than maybe FOX Sports. RedBird Capital, aside from sports business insiders and UFL super fans, main stream news outlets and average Joe fans do not know who they are.
The NFLPA could have just said UFL ownership and left it at that. But again, they pointed out FOX Sports. Theses statements, especially coming from a union, are combed over and targeted for a reason.
Maybe, FOX Sports, is the lone holdout in getting a deal done with the UFL players? Putting FOX Sports out in front could put pressure on them to say yes to whatever deal is on the table. Just a guess or it could mean nothing.
All this could be is one player union backing another player union. The Major League Soccer Players Association(MLSPA), which representants MLS players, also put out a statement three days ago.
Just something to keep on eye on.