XFL, USFL in “advanced” merger talks

[Dome Dome Dome]

Makes sense in terms of combining the player pool and the overall capital behind things in terms of stemming initial losses as being able to put up the required investment so on the face of it I am absolutely for this. I can't imagine having two different leagues was overly palatable for the NFL in terms of any working relationship either. Personally speaking, I also detest the XFL name. It's associated with repeated failure, sounds like a video game and given what we know now about head injuries it just sounds so dated.

I will reserve overall judgement until I see the teams and the layout. If they're going with a large number of NFL markets I expect more low attendances and as a result financial losses. The hub has run its course as well.

One tweet I've seen suggests this has been in the works since July. Interesting developments ahead.

[4th&long]

I just posted RBC is in full control from DG and Rock. Here's more proof and also who started the merger talks:



>> James Larsen@JamesLarsenPFN
Developing: Per source, hearing that it was Redbird Capital - on the XFL's side of things - who originally initiated internal discussions with the USFL.

Something to take into consideration regarding a potential #USFL & #XFL merger.
12:08 PM · Sep 19, 2023 <<

Once it was clear the Rock name did nothing for XFL ratings attendance etc... RBC was going to do something... IMO. Glad its happening now rather than later. Bye Bye DG

[MGB01]

Well this is a fine how do you do.

Of course 4th's hero couldn't resist a shot (SUXFL--I like that one. Funny, take out the FL I've thought the same about PFT for the 20+ years he's been running it)

[GDAWG]

I can see the Rock staying around and everything he's involved with will still sponsor the league.

[johnnyangryfuzzball]

One thing that's not getting mentioned here: the Hollywood strikes. ABC and Fox need unscripted programming, and ABC just added the rest of the Monday Night Football schedule to their lineup this week.

Fox doesn't have much in terms of winter sports—NHL and NBA are with other networks, but they do have much more in the spring. So that tells me this will likely inherit the XFL schedule, filling key prime time winter time slots.

Even if the strike is resolved soon, it will take months to catch up production of most scripted programming.

[4th&long]

One thing that's not getting mentioned here: the Hollywood strikes. ABC and Fox need unscripted programming, and ABC just added the rest of the Monday Night Football schedule to their lineup this week.

Fox doesn't have much in terms of winter sports—NHL and NBA are with other networks, but they do have much more in the spring. So that tells me this will likely inherit the XFL schedule, filling key prime time winter time slots.

Even if the strike is resolved soon, it will take months to catch up production of most scripted programming.

Agreed on strike... been thinking same. And Its also hurting the Nets - I'm hopeful it takes down the scripted industry as its been in decline for years with crapola content. Reboot and get back to basics.

Recall though that Fox WANTED the April-June time slot so I'm iffy on what transpires. I will say ratings would be better in Winter-Spring than Spring-Summer.

[MGB01]

Wonder if Rock did a little business during his voyage out to CO this past weekend. After all, poor Denverites who thought they were getting Russell Wilson are now stuck with a glorified Zach (there was actually a movement to flex out 10/8 Cowboys/Niners for Jets/Broncos on SNF, um yeah.................), so clearly they could use a little HBO there. Plus at the moment you just hired Anthony Blevins to do nothing, so just move the Vipers over there--or at least back to Tampa.

What I'd do:

EASTERN CONFERENCE
D.C.
New Jersey
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
Orl/TB
Birmingham

WESTERN CONFERENCE
Seattle
Dallas
Houston
San Antonio
St. Louis
Michigan

(If Vipers move to Denver, flip them and MICH)

[GDAWG]

One thing that's not getting mentioned here: the Hollywood strikes. ABC and Fox need unscripted programming, and ABC just added the rest of the Monday Night Football schedule to their lineup this week.

Fox doesn't have much in terms of winter sports—NHL and NBA are with other networks, but they do have much more in the spring. So that tells me this will likely inherit the XFL schedule, filling key prime time winter time slots.

Even if the strike is resolved soon, it will take months to catch up production of most scripted programming.

Unless Fox decides to expand it's MLB schedule.

[4th&long]

Wonder if Rock did a little business during his voyage out to CO this past weekend. After all, poor Denverites who thought they were getting Russell Wilson are now stuck with a glorified Zach (there was actually a movement to flex out 10/8 Cowboys/Niners for Jets/Broncos on SNF, um yeah.................), so clearly they could use a little HBO there. Plus at the moment you just hired Anthony Blevins to do nothing, so just move the Vipers over there--or at least back to Tampa.

Um... The VIPERS are GONE

[MGB01]

Wonder if Rock did a little business during his voyage out to CO this past weekend. After all, poor Denverites who thought they were getting Russell Wilson are now stuck with a glorified Zach (there was actually a movement to flex out 10/8 Cowboys/Niners for Jets/Broncos on SNF, um yeah.................), so clearly they could use a little HBO there. Plus at the moment you just hired Anthony Blevins to do nothing, so just move the Vipers over there--or at least back to Tampa.

Um... The VIPERS are GONE

Yes I'm aware that the Vipers won't be back in Vegas, but you don't just hire a coach for a team and then two months later dissolve said team. You want to see a relationship crumble--whatever degree it is? Start by hiring a coach off a staff in July and then in September say "oops we've got nothing for you". To say nothing of the WTF move already.

In the meantime did you see where your idol took another shot (SUXFL), yet you've insisted for almost two years now he'll be great pub?