Last Week around the Leagues
by Fran Stuchbury
January 2, 2024 - United Football League (UFL)
This past week the USFL and XFL merged to form a new league called the United Football League, the Professional Women's Hockey League played its first ever game, and the Premier Lacrosse League revealed its 2024 schedule featuring home markets for the first time. Highlights from this week come from the United Football League, Canadian Football League, Professional Women's Hockey League, American Hockey League, Southern Professional Hockey League, Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League, United States Hockey League, Premier Lacrosse League, National Lacrosse League, Major League Soccer, National Women's Soccer League, Southern League, NBA G League, Pro Volleyball Federation, Major League Rugby, and American Ultimate Disc League.
FOOTBALL
United Football League
Today marks the official announcement regarding the launch of the United Football League (the "UFL"), the premier spring football league that will result from the merger of the XFL and USFL. The 2024 season for the UFL is set to kick off on Saturday, March 30, 2024. Russ Brandon, former President and CEO of the XFL, will lead the UFL as President and CEO. Daryl Johnston, former USFL President of Football Operations, will lead football operations. Today's news was first announced by Dany Garcia and Dwayne Johnson on FOX NFL Sunday.
It's official: owners Dany Garcia & Dwayne The Rock Johnson announce the XFL & USFL merger.
"I think that this merger really defines what spring football is going to be moving forward."
Daryl Johnston shares what makes him most excited about the merger between the USFL and XFL
The United Football League, the premier spring football league, today announced the eight teams competing in its inaugural season kicking off on March 30, 2024. The League will be divided into two conferences: USFL and XFL. USFL CONFERENCE - Birmingham Stallions, Houston Roughnecks, Memphis Showboats, and Michigan Panthers. XFL CONFERENCE - Arlington Renegades, D.C. Defenders. San Antonio Brahmas St. Louis Battlehawks. Houston was the one overlapping market between the XFL and USFL and it was one of the strongest markets for both leagues. As a result, the USFL's Houston Gamblers have been rebranded as the Houston Roughnecks. The UFL's 10-game regular season will start on Saturday, March 30, 2024, with a battle of the 2023 champions: Birmingham Stallions (USFL) vs Arlington Renegades (XFL). Players will report to training camp on Saturday, February 24, 2024, in Arlington, Texas.
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Dany Garcia join College GameDay to discuss the launch of the United Football League.
Canadian Football League
CFL Top 10 Plays of 2023
Top 10 plays by Canadians of 2023
Top 10 Special Teams Plays of 2023
HOCKEY
Professional Women's Hockey League
The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) officially kicked off its inaugural season on Monday, with New York topping Toronto by a score of 4-0 in a sold out Mattamy Athletic Centre in Downtown Toronto. Ella Shelton scored the first-ever PWHL goal on a shot from the point off a draw won by teammate Alex Carpenter at 10:43 of the first period, and New York never looked back. After a scoreless second frame, Carpenter kicked off the third period with a goal assisted by Paetyn Levis and Chloé Aurard at the 2:53 mark, which gave New York a 2-0 lead. Jill Saulnier and Kayla Vespa added the final two goals for New York at 4:57 and 7:42 respectively.
Corinne Schroeder finished the game with a 29-save shutout, another PWHL first. Toronto netminder Kristen Campbell made 24 saves in the loss.
The Professional Women's Hockey League has played its first game, in front of a sold-out crowd in Toronto. There are high hopes for this league, in spite of the bumpy history of professional women's hockey.
PWHL: New York vs Toronto highlights (goals only)
The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) will provide fans with comprehensive live coverage of all 72 games during its historic inaugural season. The league today announced national broadcast partnerships in Canada with CBC / Radio-Canada, TSN and RDS, and Sportsnet, and regional deals in the United States with MSG Networks and NESN. "The visibility offered across our broadcast and streaming schedule is unprecedented in women's hockey and reinforces the growing interest in our sport," said Stan Kasten, PWHL Advisory Board member. "Accessibility of PWHL games throughout our inaugural season is a giant win for fans everywhere. We felt it was a priority to engage a magnitude of committed partners on a variety of consistent platforms. ¬Â
PWHL Minnesota named Ken Klee its head coach. Klee, a former NHL defenseman who coached the U.S. Women's National Team to gold medals at the 2015 and 2016 IIHF Women's World Championships, replaces Charlie Burggraf, who has decided to step away from the team. "My family and I have decided that stepping away from the head coaching position at Team Minnesota is the right move for us at this time," Burggraf said. "I wish both the PWHL, and especially Team Minnesota, great success. ¬Â "We thank Charlie Burggraf for all he did for our franchise, and we wish him only the best in the future," said PWHL Minnesota general manager Natalie Darwitz. "Ken Klee brings a proven record of success to our coaching staff, and we are extremely pleased -- for our players, our fans and our organization -- that he has joined us. ¬Â
American Hockey League
The first AHL goal of 2024 belongs to Coachella Valley Firebirds John Hayden!
Southern Professional Hockey League
Week 10 goals
Week 10 Saves
Western Hockey League
WHL Power Rankings - December 15-28
2023 Teddy Bear Toss Goal - Victoria Royals - Dawson Pasternak
2023 Teddy Bear Toss Goal - Saskatoon Blades - Easton Armstrong
Ontario Hockey League
OHL Top-5 Performances of the First Half
Top-10 Saves: Best of the First Half
Top-5 OT-Winners: Best of the First Half
United States Hockey League
Ryan Koering's first USHL goal is a big one as he scores in overtime to give Muskegon a 5-4 win.
LACROSSE
Premier Lacrosse League
The Premier Lacrosse League powered by Ticketmaster released the schedule for its 2024 regular season, including the weekends fans will welcome the league's eight teams to their newly minted home markets. "Our 2024 season will be our most memorable, as we welcome our teams to their new homes, and enter a new era for the PLL,"' said Paul Rabil, Co-founder and President of the Premier Lacrosse League. "In our first five seasons, we charted tremendous growth "" from playing all over the country and into Canada, as well as growing the lacrosse fan base from 15 million in 2019, to 45 million in 2023, according to the latest MRI Simmons report. Now in 2024, we look forward to welcoming the 150 million casual sports fans into the fold as we build local connections with our teams."'
The league's sixth season will be its first with teams tied to home markets, marking the league's biggest investment since its inception in 2018. The league will continue to operate a 14-week, tour-based season, with eight of the league's 10 regular season game weekends to be held in teams' home markets. Minneapolis and Fairfield, Conn. have been selected to host all eight PLL teams, and the PLL's All-Star Weekend will return to Louisville for the second straight season.
Top 5 Game Winners of The 2023 PLL Season
BIGGEST HITS OF THE 2023 PLL SEASON
National Lacrosse League
NLL Week 4: Top 5 Plays
Joe Resetarits of the Philadelphia Wings had a historic game against Halifax in a 16-15 OT win. Resetarits broke Casey Powell's record of points by an American in the NLL. The new record sits at 675 and counting.
SOCCER
Major League Soccer
The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) announced today that Director of Football Operations Marco Antonio Garcés will depart the Club to join Spain's Celta Vigo of La Liga as its new Sporting Director. "We are incredibly thankful for the fantastic job Marco has done in his time with us," LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington said. "His experience and expertise was critical in helping build a team that made history in 2022 and 2023 and in launching LAFC2. He is one of the best people I have met in football, and I know our relationship will continue long into the future. We will certainly miss him, but we wish Marco, Paulina, Ana Sofia, and Ximena nothing but the best in Spain. ¬Â
Top Bins Special: Best Free Kicks in MLS 2023
Bicycle Kicks, Scissor Sizzlers, Scorpion Stunners & more! 2023's Most Unbelievable Goals!
ESPN FC's Herculez Gomez joins Sebastian Salazar on Futbol Americas to break down what MLS's new schedule means for Inter Miami and Lionel Messi.
National Women's Soccer League
NJ/NY Gotham FC announced that U.S. Women's National Team player, World Cup Champion, two-time Olympian, three-time NWSL champion, three-time NWSL Shield winner, and NWSL MVP Crystal Dunn has signed a multi-year contract with the club through 2026. "I am so excited to join Gotham and return back home!" said Dunn. "This place is one that I hold close to my heart. I am looking forward to playing alongside top players that will bring out the best in me, as we all work together to push this club to achieve even more success this upcoming season and beyond. ¬Â Returning to her home state of New York to embark on her 10th professional season, Dunn's illustrious NWSL resume includes 2015 NWSL MVP, 2015 NWSL Golden Boot, multiple NWSL Best XI honors (2015, 2018), and helping lead her teams to three NWSL championships (2018, 2019, 2022).
Welcome to Gotham FC, Crystal Dunn!
2023 NWSL Championship Gotham FC vs OL Reign: A Year of Triumph, Heartbreak & Unforgettable Moments
In less than three years, Boston's new professional women's soccer team is expected to begin playing at the venue and sharing it with Boston Public Schools teams.
USL Championship
The 2023 USL Championship Final between the Charleston Battery and Phoenix Rising FC was one of the greatest in the league's history. Now, take a look inside the buildup with never-before-seen footage from training and pregame inside the locker room with Phoenix Rising FC Head Coach Juan Guerra and Charleston Battery Head Coach Ben Pirmann, and all of the action as seen from the sidelines during the 120 minutes and penalty shootout that decided the title.
BASEBALL
Southern League
The Mississippi Braves could be relocated to Georgia soon
Prospect League
Clinton LumberKings General Manager Ted Tornow announced his resignation, effective January 15, 2024. Tornow started in November of 1998 and had served as General Manager for the past 25 seasons, the longest in the club's 87-year history. Clinton LumberKings General Manager Ted Tornow announced his resignation, effective January 15, 2024. Tornow started in November of 1998 and had served as General Manager for the past 25 seasons, the longest in the club's 87-year history.
BASKETBALL
NBA G League
Top Plays of 2023 G League Winter Showcase in Orlando!
2023 Winter Showcase: Best Of Slow Mo
OTHER SPORTS
Pro Volleyball Federation
Pro Volleyball Federation, the professional women's volleyball league in the United States, has teamed up with USA Volleyball - the national governing body of the sport in the U.S. - to promote volleyball at its highest level. USA Volleyball will support Pro Volleyball Federation's professional league in America, which launches in January. The partnership reinforces the League's commitment to work with USA Volleyball clubs, athletes and regions while USAV supports Pro Volleyball Federation's commitment to providing top professional opportunities to America's greatest female volleyball players.
"We are so proud to provide these world-class athletes within the USA Volleyball pipeline with a domestic opportunity to play professionally at the highest level in the United States while still being able to pursue their dreams of representing their country on the U.S. National Team," touted Dave Whinham, co-founder of the Pro Volleyball Federation. "We have tremendous respect for the work being done by USA Volleyball and its 40 regions throughout the country, and we are excited to strengthen the entire volleyball pipeline in our nation."
Get a glimpse behind the scenes of the 2023 Pro Volleyball Federation College Draft, as Columbus Fury Head Coach Angel Perez attempts to submit the second round pick for the Fury.
Major League Rugby
MLR Chairman, Ryan Patterson discusses the loss of Toronto Arrows and Bill Webb
To celebrate the festivities Corbs and Will talked to Major League Rugby's best team of 2023, the New England Free Jacks. Will is joined by full back / winger, Mitch Wilson, to go over the Championship Final highlights, providing a different perspective for fans hearing it through the players' eyes. Corbs sits down with CEO and Co-Founder of the Free Jacks, Alex Magleby, to discuss the history and success of the team, plus looking ahead to the 2024 season.
American Ultimate Disc League
The MOST incredible layout catches of the 2023 season!
Did we miss anything newsworthy or fun? Have a nomination for next week's column? Contact us today and let us know.
United Football League Stories from January 2, 2024
- Last Week around the Leagues - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
