Gdawg - yeah it was a bit confusing. Also keep in mind this is a real Dev league - more like an Academy type structure than a minor league FB league like AAF was aiming (or like alt league XFL).
To describe the Academy structure it's usually one place (2021 its 2) where players get to be coached, practice, stay in FB shape, and most importantly get film - all for the chance to get into the CFL or NFL.... and maybe XFL.
From the TSL's business side, the need to package it in a way to may $$$. The branding of "teams" is relatively new and progressing. The partnership with FS1 is a draw for players and a potential money maker for the league. I noted the clear use of different colors by team to make it easy to differentiate teams, that arent city based. It also makes viewing 'easier'.
So branding is there for TV eyeballs only, sure there's merch but that would really come down the road later, if ever, in quantity that has a large impact.
FS1 is looking for inexpensive programming - TSL is looking for some revenue (funding). B Woods has a hit and miss history, but he's evolved, progressed and grown over the last 10 years. His goal is a NFL dev league. I think he'll settle for a defacto version of that and CFL too.
UPDATE:
https://xflnewshub.com/the-spring-leagu ... s-details/
>> A full broadcast schedule will be released soon, but Woods did say that unlike last fall, every game will be aired on either FS1 or Fox.<<
ALSO:
>> “We aim to be the premier professional developmental football league in the United States and abroad, so this is a step in the right direction for us growing the league, growing teams giving more opportunities to players and coaches.”
CEO Brian Woods <<