Reuters: TSL finds 'secret sauce' to survival

[4th&long]

https://www.reuters.com/article/footbal ... SL1N2MQ0XT

>> Many have tried for a slice of the NFL pie, most recently the XFL and AAF, both of which flared out in spectacular fashion not after years of effort but weeks.

While the XFL and AAF arrived with a bang and exited with a thud the TSL, a shoe-string league that has no player payroll, was securing a toe-hold.

“We have definitely found the secret sauce in terms of operating a professional football league,” TSL founder and Chief Executive Brian Woods told Reuters. “Our business model is different.” <<

[MGB01]

Of course being the media, Reuters in this case, they have to drop in the "mandatory" does not pay players (which technically is true but they're comped housing and meals, I mean I could live on that for a month or two as a tradeoff)............

That said, there's no way in hell FOX is using this as anything but a placeholder for if/when the XFL comes back. But if not, this won't fly if it ever becomes an actual league without some changes.

[4th&long]

Of course being the media, Reuters in this case, they have to drop in the "mandatory" does not pay players (which technically is true but they're comped housing and meals, I mean I could live on that for a month or two as a tradeoff)............

That said, there's no way in hell FOX is using this as anything but a placeholder for if/when the XFL comes back. But if not, this won't fly if it ever becomes an actual league without some changes.

This is a commitment of just 8-9 weeks for a chance to get an NFL (or lesser CFL) job - without which they'd likely not get another chance. Players can look at it as a gift or unpaid work (like year 5 at college with much less time commitment). Minor league baseball players could spend years making squat committing a lot more time. And you aren't going to get real game film like this anywhere else. So when you look at it that way its hard to pass up.

The bigger risk is to Fox which is committing resources and airtime. What if it bombs? Of course Fox approached the TSL, not the other way around. Fox wanted to be able to buy in, so they can share in any growth their airtime might grant the TSL. Buying in also allows they to guide, influence and make decisions for the TSL that work for them. They need cheap programming - they got it. Right now its a win-win-win scenario. You can bet if it exceeds expectations and grows - there will be chances ie enhancements - because it will make economic sense for the TSL and Fox.

If TSL lands a few roster spots in NFL/CFL, even NFL-PS and long camp stays, it will be more appealing to players. I do think a week or 2 later may have lent to more current UDFA on their rosters.

And the TSL could HELP the XFL - assuming it does come back w/o CFL merger - as they can offer less salaries, and target a lower cost structure.

FOX's expectations for TSL should be low. They need FS1 programming and get 18 games on there for pennies on the $. This is gelling into a real FOX/TSL partnership. Alot is on the line this year - I hope they both exceed their expectations.

[Tank55]

Not mentioning that they players aren't paid would be totally irresponsible journalism. It's the foundational piece of the business model.

You know what could be brilliant and would blow some people's minds is if they partnered with universities. The schools could provide housing and facilities and the TSL could compensate the players by paying for any classes they take.

[MGB01]

Not mentioning that they players aren't paid would be totally irresponsible journalism. It's the foundational piece of the business model.

You know what could be brilliant and would blow some people's minds is if they partnered with universities. The schools could provide housing and facilities and the TSL could compensate the players by paying for any classes they take.

No need though to come out and drop "does not pay players" like they were writing for Bernie Sanders or AOC considering they mentioned it in the journalistic way ("a league with no player payroll") a few lines down in the piece.

That's irresponsible journalism

[4th&long]

Not mentioning that they players aren't paid would be totally irresponsible journalism. It's the foundational piece of the business model.

You know what could be brilliant and would blow some people's minds is if they partnered with universities. The schools could provide housing and facilities and the TSL could compensate the players by paying for any classes they take.

No need though to come out and drop "does not pay players" like they were writing for Bernie Sanders or AOC considering they mentioned it in the journalistic way ("a league with no player payroll") a few lines down in the piece.

That's irresponsible journalism

Agree with MG here but I'll put it this way... It's poor reporting because they make it sound like the players get nothing in return. They could have said something like:
"The TSL is aiming to be a true Developmental league for the NFL. In return for their efforts and 8 week time commitment the players get coached by NFL veterans, workout and practice against top free agents to stay in football shape, and best of all get game film and exposure for all games produced by Fox Sports. Additionally all meals plus room & board are covered. In the absence of the TSL these players would have limited exposure."

Something along those lines which is an honest answer and explains to the reader why a person would really want to play in the league. Also keep in mind TSL 2020 fall players don't pay either.

[Tank55]

No need though to come out and drop "does not pay players" like they were writing for Bernie Sanders or AOC considering they mentioned it in the journalistic way ("a league with no player payroll") a few lines down in the piece.

I'm not following what Sanders or Ocasio-Cortez have to do with anything. It's an article about the league's business model. Is this what you're objecting to?

The Alliance of American Football (AAF) lasted eight weeks, an XFL reboot ceased operation after just five, but The Spring League (TSL) - a league that does not pay players - will kick off a fifth season this week with a new media rights deal with FOX.

[MGB01]

I'm not following what Sanders or Ocasio-Cortez have to do with anything. It's an article about the league's business model. Is this what you're objecting to?

The Alliance of American Football (AAF) lasted eight weeks, an XFL reboot ceased operation after just five, but The Spring League (TSL) - a league that does not pay players - will kick off a fifth season this week with a new media rights deal with FOX.

Exactly, this is already mentioned (no player payroll) further down, so all this does is lead.

BW shouldn't be highlighting this.

[Tank55]

OK, we'll have to disagree then. IMO, it's the fundamental difference between TSL and all the others and ought to be mentioned as soon as possible when you're informing people about it. It should be highlighted.

[MGB01]

No he shouldn't be highlighting this as positive media coverage.

Again, it's already mentioned in the piece that there's no player payroll. There's no need to do so beforehand in more activist terms.

Really sloppy.