Game Thread: Birmingham Stallions (4-0) at Philadelphia Stars (2-2), Sun 15 May, 12 p.m. ET, NBC

[super390]

That is true of every new league now. TV money dwarfs live gate in every sport except maybe baseball. You'd have to go down to minor league hockey or indoor football to see survival dependent on live gate.

But once you separate a TV network from ownership of teams, the new owner needs that live gate, because local TV revenue is also swamped by even tiny national/online audiences and the latter now must be split between the team owner and league owner. So the attendance challenge has to be addressed in order for Fox to sell off USFL franchises to local owners.

[MGB01]

Its been obvious for months but more so now. This is a TV Net owned property and TV scheduling needs will be (FOX and NBC's) #1, #2 and #3 priority. With 2 nets its just going to be more difficult to get exactly what they (or more so we) want.

Of course that is the truth. Following that logic this league better hope they continue to have decent television ratings or the hatchet will fall on all of this.

And that starts with fixed TV windows. There's no excuse for two things: 1)that Gamblers/Generals (the almost-Jim Kelly Bowl) will be the first same one the league's had from the prior week--in week six, and 2)that FOX shouldn't be able to provide it, their spring schedule totally appears like it was cleared for it. They can't even give the USFL the same courtesy they gave TSL?

[4th&long]

Its been obvious for months but more so now. This is a TV Net owned property and TV scheduling needs will be (FOX and NBC's) #1, #2 and #3 priority. With 2 nets its just going to be more difficult to get exactly what they (or more so we) want.

Of course that is the truth. Following that logic this league better hope they continue to have decent television ratings or the hatchet will fall on all of this.

Mark - that is ALL they care about. And the opposite is also true - If attendance was great but TV ratings sucked - it would not be good. The Social Media and some USFL/XFL news obsession with attendance is getting old, everyone knows or should know by now.

Aubrey misses! Philly holds lead into half!

[MarkNelson]

Marable with a 29 yard td run for the Stallions. Ja'mar Smith has the Birmingham offense cooking in the second half. 21-17 for the Stallions.

[laxtreme56]

The Philly D looks like they're on roller skates. Getting pushed 3+ yards off the ball every run. If this game becomes a shootout I don't see the Stars keeping up with the Stallions

[MarkNelson]

Bug Howard gets called for a pique play. Poor call. He scratches his helmet in response.

[MarkNelson]

Stallions defense cooking with gas. No chances for Philly's offense.

[MarkNelson]

Aubrey FG gives the Stallions a 7 point lead.
24-17 Stallions

[4th&long]

That is true of every new league now. TV money dwarfs live gate in every sport except maybe baseball. You'd have to go down to minor league hockey or indoor football to see survival dependent on live gate.

But once you separate a TV network from ownership of teams, the new owner needs that live gate, because local TV revenue is also swamped by even tiny national/online audiences and the latter now must be split between the team owner and league owner. So the attendance challenge has to be addressed in order for Fox to sell off USFL franchises to local owners.

To some degree - owners will still be more based on TV money.

One way to solve the issue is go into Large markets and higher per capita income. SA, Seattle STL. For all we say about the USFL, Birmingham is auditioning for a team too. After year 2 all bets are off and we know there are cities that will support a team.

[4th&long]

Stallions defense cooking with gas. No chances for Philly's offense.

Yep.

These long developing plays are not helping Cookus at all. Holding ball too long.