UFL to kickoff in 2009.

[Nation86]

UFLAccess has the exclusive:

http://uflaccess.com/ufl/uflaccess-exclusive-ufl-to-begin-play-in-2009/

[Sports Fanatic]

It SUCKS. But they just were not ready. :(

[Jamie]

I predict we'll never see the UFL play a down... yet another phantom league...

[Nation86]

The ownership groups and TV deal that they will announce in a few weeks - according to Huyghue - should change your mind.

[SignGuyDino]

I hope you're wrong, Jamie. My concern is with Cuban involved they will overpay players instead of running a good solid league for non-NFL cities.

[rams80]

The ownership groups and TV deal that they will announce in a few weeks - according to Huyghue - should change your mind.

Weren't we supposed to know these ownership groups a couple of weeks ago?

[Nation86]

That obviously changed as the UFL decided to kick off in 2009 instead. UFLAccess should have more details this week as I have arranged for another interview with Commissioner Huyghue.

[Sam Hill]

The ownership groups and TV deal that they will announce in a few weeks - according to Huyghue - should change your mind.

The ones that were locked down a month ago? And were supposed to be announced the "first week of February?"

And...oh, by the way...you said...twice that you were never posting here again.

I've said from the get-go that these things are hard to accomplish, harder than most fans think. Much harder than most college kids think.

But I had an inkling this was going to happen...no announcement, no announcement, no announcement...then an announcement of a pushback for a year...then, eventually, there will either be no more announcements and the UFL will slide quietly into that nether region of vaporware leagues, or there will be a very quiet announcement that because of the economy or some other such thing, that it just wasn't feasible at this time.

[firewolff]

UFL to begin play in 2009

Well, this is bummer news. And yes, while there are examples of other leagues that never played a down, the AAFL was also originally going to play last year so a delay is not necessarily a death knell.

[Nation86]

Sounds like the United Football League is going to happen in 2009. Prospective UFL commissioner Michael Huyghue told agents the other day it will be an eight-team league (he said six owners, including Mark Cuban, are already in place), beginning in August 2009. The details were sketchy from there, but some agents reported that the minimum salary would be $75,000, the league would go after existing NFL personnel people and assistant coaches to be the league's GMs and head coaches, and the league would try to sign some of the 30th through 43rd players on NFL rosters for slightly more money than they'd make in the big league.

... http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/peter_king/02/24/combine/2.html

From Peter King of SI - validating much of what we have reported from a mainstream media outlet as well - for the doubters.

[Pounder]

I remember the media telling me the XFL was solid and MLS wouldn't last 5 years.

It's not in the saying, it's in the doing. By waiting a year, this possible league has bought a chance to start off right. Just don't wake me until the money really gets spent.

[Sam Hill]

Sounds like the United Football League is going to happen in 2009. Prospective UFL commissioner Michael Huyghue told agents the other day it will be an eight-team league (he said six owners, including Mark Cuban, are already in place), beginning in August 2009. The details were sketchy from there, but some agents reported that the minimum salary would be $75,000, the league would go after existing NFL personnel people and assistant coaches to be the league's GMs and head coaches, and the league would try to sign some of the 30th through 43rd players on NFL rosters for slightly more money than they'd make in the big league.

... http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/peter_king/02/24/combine/2.html

From Peter King of SI - validating much of what we have reported from a mainstream media outlet as well - for the doubters.

(a) Do you know how often Peter King is wrong (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=easterbrook/080212)? Just because he's mainstream doesn't validate anything. Now, I have no doubt that the UFL says these things, so, in that regard, yeah, SI is "validating" that it was said.

But "details are sketchy" and "agents say" are not the kind of terms that inspire one to inquire about season tickets.

(b) If they think they're going to pay players 30-43 from NFL rosters "slightly more" than they'd make in the NFL, they're delusional, one and misguided, two. If it's "slightly more" money and you're in the NFL already, why on Earth would you leave the NFL to go to an 8-team knockoff league? Answer: you wouldn't. If you get cut from the NFL, fine. Maybe. But if you're good enough to be on an NFL roster for a while, you're going to try to stay in the league and only go to the UFL as a last resort. It's not like they're going to poach those guys and say to them "We're going to be able to offer you slightly more money than the NFL did. Now, granted, you won't be in the NFL, and you won't be playing the Dallas Cowboys and the Miami Dolphins on Sundays on FOX, you'll be playing the Las Vegas Wranglers on Friday on HDNet, which nobody gets, what do you say?"

Guys aren't going to jump at that.

Let's take a random NFL team for example. The Chicago Bears. If you rank their players by their 2007 salaries (thanks, USA Today), players 30-43 are:

Okwo, Michael........LB..$807,500
Manning, Danieal.....S...$784,080
St. Clair, John......OL..$775,000
Garza, Roberto.......OL..$771,050
Mannelly, Patrick....OL..$724,680
Beekman, Josh........OL..$677,500
Gilmore, John........TE..$670,000
McKie, Jason.........RB..$645,000
Benson, Cedric.......RB..$624,680
Peterson, Adrian.....RB..$620,000
Ayanbadejo, Brendon..LB..$599,320
Jones, Dhani.........LB..$525,000
McClover, Darrell....LB..$514,800
Jimoh, Ade...........CB..$490,000
TOTAL..................$9,228,610


They make $9.2 million a year, and I don't think any of those guys are going to sell tickets or be on the front of your season ticket brochure. Maybe Adrian Peterson, if people think he's the other Adrian Peterson.

So you're going to invest, what, $10 million on them? $11 million? And that's enough to offset actually playing in the highest-level league there is?

You're going to have to pay more for skills guys, and even then you're going to get guys like Moses Moreno. I'm not sure you could even get Jim Sorgi, and he never plays and he makes $853,000.

And if I'm Jim Sorgi, one reason I don't want to play in the UFL is because I don't want to play with guys making $75,000. You going to protect his blind side with a guy making $75,000? $100,000? You're going to end up overspending (as every football league does, eventually) and there is no way on God's green Earth you're going to make that money back in ticket revenue - and no way there's a big-money TV deal out there to make the difference.

It's like the AAFL Tennessee guy who thinks they're going to get 50,000 people there (apparently only 50,000 seats at UT's stadium will be available to them because of construction). He's delusional. This isn't the NFL. You're not going to get NFL-type crowds. And if you cut ticket prices to goose that, you put yourself even deeper in debt because that's your bread-and-butter.

They're just going to either spend too much and lose tons of money, or they're going to not spend enough and have crap players and have no one come out to see it and lose tons of money that way.

I have no doubt they believe they're going to do these things - everybody who tries to start a league believes they're going to do these things.

I have no doubt YOU believe they're going to do these things.

The problem is, those of us who've spent more than 22 years on the planet have scene this movie before. It usually ends badly. And we are healthily skeptical instead of fanboyingly breathless when a league lets us inside the ropes and feeds us information.

[rams80]

Sounds like the United Football League is going to happen in 2009. Prospective UFL commissioner Michael Huyghue told agents the other day it will be an eight-team league (he said six owners, including Mark Cuban, are already in place), beginning in August 2009. The details were sketchy from there, but some agents reported that the minimum salary would be $75,000, the league would go after existing NFL personnel people and assistant coaches to be the league's GMs and head coaches, and the league would try to sign some of the 30th through 43rd players on NFL rosters for slightly more money than they'd make in the big league.

... http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/peter_king/02/24/combine/2.html

From Peter King of SI - validating much of what we have reported from a mainstream media outlet as well - for the doubters.

Isn't this the same joker whose sole purpose in life is to suck the Patriot's teat?

[Nation86]

I am also skeptical - never read what I say as not being skeptical regarding the ultimate success of the venture. I am also happy to see a new challenger come forth and I'll be following the UFL by both writing about it and watching the games from day one till the close of the league if it fails. That doesn't mean I think the UFL is destined for success - I just know from my conversations with people in the UFL, agents, and people who work for the cities involved with the UFL that this is a league with a solid, workable plan and investors who are prepared to lose money to see that this is done right for a number of years.

As long as wealthy people exist then you will, on occasion, see a challenger come up because wealthy folks enjoy owning sports teams - it is an ego thing. We will see if those behind the UFL stick behind it and let it grow - if not then the league will fail and those of us who are fans of alternative leagues will be disappointed again.

So, Sam, and you seem bitter at life at any rate, but Sam you seem to view me reporting of the news and reports from the league and from other sources as being "breathless" or my belief that Huyghue has told the truth to me about what has gone on so far as being a fanboy. Make no mistake - I am a fan of this venture as I am a fan of all challengers - but I am not breathless and you can mock my age all you wish but I would be more than willing to put what I have done in my twenty two years on this Earth up to whatever you have done in however long you have done it.

[rams80]

My question to you is...

Are those people who are affiliated with the UFL, the people who give you your information, completely unbiased in what they say?

[Pounder]

Nation,

A question for you...

Why are you a fan of alternate leagues?

Experience shows that new leagues cause salaries to grow higher, not really for tickets to get cheaper. It's kind of a quirk in the supply/demand chain where the labor IS the product (only decent comparison is high tech companies trying to keep their engineers from their competitors).

[Sam Hill]

So, Sam, and you seem bitter at life at any rate, but Sam you seem to view me reporting of the news and reports from the league and from other sources as being "breathless" or my belief that Huyghue has told the truth to me about what has gone on so far as being a fanboy. Make no mistake - I am a fan of this venture as I am a fan of all challengers - but I am not breathless and you can mock my age all you wish but I would be more than willing to put what I have done in my twenty two years on this Earth up to whatever you have done in however long you have done it.

That's funny!

You've almost graduated from college!

You win!

Look, kid, it's nice to be all full of p*** and vinegar and fired up about life and all, but you've accomplished eff-all. You're 22. You haven't got the slightest fricking idea what I've done in life. Not one idea at all.

Any time - any time - you want to put your nearly-finished college career and never having worked for real in pro sports to the test, let me know.

[ItsNotScottishThenItsCrap]

I am an employee of the UFL and I am not really authorized to post here but this bs rumor mill has gone on long enough. The league is still scheduled to play in August 2008 and nearly everything is in place. Huyghue feels that it is not necessary to make any big announcements yet as they will be made at a later time which can be as late as may. Matter of fact, most of the teams already have logos and nicknames but again why should the commish have to answer to anybody. I just talked to him today, and he stated that he has not given any interviews to anybody and definately not to some college kid. He joked about why would he talk to some college kid when there are more qualified people that deserve interviews from him before some kid does. Be patient folks and cut the rumor bs. The info you need will come at a better time. Huyghue and the league does not need to cater to any of you all.

[preeths]

Why do I doubt that you're with the league? At any rate, I hope you're not in media relations or public relations. No, the commish doesn't have to talk with anybody. If he wants to ensure scorn from the media and the fans, he can remain as silent as he likes.


Let's lay off Nation. We don't have to get on someone just because of their age. That's useless. Let's tone down the harshness and address the league, not other posters.

[rams80]

I am an employee of the UFL and I am not really authorized to post here but this bs rumor mill has gone on long enough. The league is still scheduled to play in August 2008 and nearly everything is in place.

Including marketing efforts, stadium leases, and rosters? Because, well, 7 months from "go" is really not enough time for that sort of thing.

Huyghue feels that it is not necessary to make any big announcements yet as they will be made at a later time which can be as late as may.

That gives you 3-4 months. That isn't enough time for a low-level indoor team, let alone a outdoor league that seems to have visions (delusions?) of competing with the NFL for talent. I really hope Huyghue reconsiders if he wants this league to succeed.

Matter of fact, most of the teams already have logos and nicknames but again why should the commish have to answer to anybody. I just talked to him today, and he stated that he has not given any interviews to anybody and definately not to some college kid.

I assume the "cease and desist" letter has been sent to UFLaccess.com, then, right?

He joked about why would he talk to some college kid when there are more qualified people that deserve interviews from him before some kid does. Be patient folks and cut the rumor bs. The info you need will come at a better time. Huyghue and the league does not need to cater to any of you all.

Well...if people know more about the league, they might know this league and its teams exist. A media blackout is not helping matters out at all.

[firewolff]

Let's tone down the harshness and address the league, not other posters.

Amen. Look what happens when there aren't any games to watch. Guys, this is just football to us fans and should be for fun.

[preeths]

BTW, as a fan of alternative football leagues, and someone who also enjoys watching the NFL, the more football the better. firewolff, this USFL fan loves your avatar.

[Nation86]

This supposed employee of the league doesn't have a clue considering Sports Illustrated, Newsday, agents from the combine, and Michael Huyghue himself have said that the kickoff will occur in 2009. I wish that were not the case as someone who was looking forward to the league but that is the truth.

Many things are in place for the league, but kickoff will occur in 2009.

[SignGuyDino]

Why do I doubt that you're with the league?

1. Because he's a one-post wonder? We all know there are a handful of people who hate OSC who love to stir (BLEEP) like this.

2. Because of his screenname? I highly doubt ANY venture Mark Cuban has worked for allows the minnows to post on behalf of the league sporting such childish screennames.

3. Because of the run-on sentences?

4. Because of the childish ranting?

5. Because he claims there will be announcements in the month of "may?"

Hell, I don't know....

[firewolff]

firewolff, this USFL fan loves your avatar.

Portland, 1985. Section 2, row AA, seats 3 &4 (sigh). Thanks, Paul. I've been here since this was an USFL fan site.

[ChampionOfSteel]

http://www.thisistheusfl.com/USFL/USFL%20Books/sporting_news_guide.jpg

"We're strong! We're powerful! And we stick together! As long as we all stick together there's no way we can lose!"

-Wranglers/Blitz head coach George Allen -

RIP

[Mac the Knife]

Portland, 1985. Section 2, row AA, seats 3 &4 (sigh). Thanks, Paul. I've been here since this was an USFL fan site.

Not to promote it, but if you hadn't already done so check out USFL.info, a site I put together last year (but sadly haven't had much time to update).

To pop the alleged UFL employee's balloon - I just did a fairly comprehensive search of the US Patent & Trademark Office's online records, and to date the only things they have legally trademarked (literally the first thing you do after having logos designed if you have any brains) are league-wide marks (i.e., the "UFL"). No team names, no nothing.

[firewolff]

check out USFL.info.

Mac, looks good. However, when I clicked on the Breakers helmet, it didn't work. I liked reading about the old Civic Stadium. I haven't been there since the remodel. I was alarmed at the note that it isn't big enough for pro football anymore.

[Pounder]

PGE Park holds as many people as most of the new MLS stadia. If that's too small for the UFL (since the capacity in Hornet Stadium in Sacramento is about the same), then I wish them luck finding suitable locations.

It probably will be an MLS stadium within a few years at the rate things are going. Someone should be trying to partner with Portland State for a new stadium, BTW.

[firewolff]

Someone should be trying to partner with Portland State for a new stadium, BTW.

I couldn't agree more. Every once in a while I hear rumblings that Portland State would like to go I-A and a 40K-50K stadium that's easy to get to and has ample parking would be a must have I would think (and look good to the UFL).

[BreakersFan]

Not to promote it, but if you hadn't already done so check out USFL.info, a site I put together last year (but sadly haven't had much time to update).


what an awesome site! Thanks for the memories! I was a Panthers fan back in the day.....

[afdave]

I couldn't agree more. Every once in a while I hear rumblings that Portland State would like to go I-A and a 40K-50K stadium that's easy to get to and has ample parking would be a must have I would think (and look good to the UFL).

Maybe 4-5 years down the road if the UFL looks solid (and not imminently at that point going to just pull 3-4 of its teams into the NFL), then that would be an option. But, the UFL isn't going to be calling any shots for awhile in the stadium building game.

Look at MLS. They didn't really get into "we should build our own parks" until about 8-9 years in, once they had a foothold.