ESPN, which owns part of the UFL, had an update to the story that players were threated to be released if they did not appear at Media Days taking place over the next several days.
Kevin Seifert of ESPN reported that three players told him yesterday that the United Football League would ‘release’ any player that did not appear at media day.
Media day is when players and coaches take pictures and video that will be used throughout the 2025 season. The ‘release’ message came from coaches down to players. However, it could also be a miss interpretation.
UFL executive vice president of football operations Daryl Johnston clarified to ESPN what he said.
“So I stressed to our coaches there’s some talk that there could be an opportunity to boycott this event, and just please let the guys know how important this is, not only to us as a league but them as the individual players. And the league will look at this as conduct detrimental to the league, which could raise to the level of termination. You’re not going to get cut, [but] it can raise to this level.”
It seemed that the rumbles grew last night and players were getting upset by the ultimatum. So Johnston reach out to the coaches again.
“So we came back [Wednesday] last night and we added clarity to the situation and told them exactly what our stance was going to be, and how it would be handled, and what the consequences would be so they had a clear understanding, and we can get rid of some of these rumors that were out there.”
As of today there have been no reports of players skipping out. In fact there have been some player rumblings upset with the UFPA and how the situation is being handled. If fact this whole situation could be caused by just a handful of UFL players. The point of the UFL for players is to get a NFL training camp invite. That is where the real money is made.
Johnston stated they want to get something in place that benefits both sides.
The biggest thing for us is to make sure we get this done in a way that benefits both parties.”
Per UFL News Hub’s Mike Mitchell a pay raise for players this year could impact 2026. If the UFL gives players a big bump in pay this season with lower than expected ticket sales. How could they add two new teams next season. The cost might be to much for ESPN, FOX and RedBird Capital to swallow.
