UFL expansion plans begin

[MGB01]

Interested to see if former USFL/XFL franchise cities are given preferential treatment over new ones. If, say, Nashville and Seattle both put in "bids," will the UFL defer to Seattle since they have a previous history there?

 

Seattle's tough because not only is the environment different from when they were a runaway success in 2020 (the Kraken have arrived and the season is now in the spring up against the Sounders and Mariners) but because it's so far out of the way. I seriously think they're out of the question now.  Literally the only thing they have going for them is more time slot flexibility (which was more of a benefit in 2023 when the league loved to bury them and Vegas in late Thursday time slots on FX to fulfill the TV contract).

No, Seattle's lone problem right now is that they're the only viable western city at this point--except for maybe Denver but that's only cause they're the most viable, not actually viable.

Competition will not be a problem. The one game that kicked off as the M's were wrapping up across the street (game 40 vs Vegas) did very well. They won't have the same base that the Sounders do, so the only common thread they'll have is Lumen Field. The thought though that they can't compete with the Mariners is inadequately described as laughable (especially when their only response to it seems to be, immature five y/o style, to point to their inflated numbers--as a result of big crowds against the Yankees, Blue Jays, Red Sox, and NL opponent depending on the year), but that's a whole separate discussion.

But it's a moot point as long as Seattle remains the only option out west, which is why they didn't make the cut for the "original eight" in the first place.

[Dome Dome Dome]

Not going to deep dive into specific markets and their merits (or not) but I am pretty sure the league is going to look very different in 2026. I expect both expansion and relocation and probably some other structural changes.

[GregParks]

News Hub's Mark Perry seems to be "hearing" that Seattle is an early contender for one of the two spots earmarked for 2026 (though I'm not sure how anyone can be a contender so early in the process)

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/N7RkAETpxtQ

[4th&long]

News Hub's Mark Perry seems to be "hearing" that Seattle is an early contender for one of the two spots earmarked for 2026 (though I'm not sure how anyone can be a contender so early in the process)

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/N7RkAETpxtQ



 

Interesting early leak.  But with Friday night games coming into play it could be a good idea.  Especially if the league has regionalized action like 3 games last year.

Seattle is the 12th largest TV market.  A Seattle NJ addition or Seattle/NJ or Philly or TB/Orlando.   Would all be worthy larger TV markets, outside current UFL foot print.  The smallest combo here would add over 3% TV Household share.  NJ/Seattle would add almost 8%. 

Considering UFL 2024 was only 11.3% compared to 22% for XFL 2020, is it a wonder UFL is half the TV ratings?  NJ Seattle or Philly Seattle would be good

BTW USFL 2022 (in name) was 16.2% and XFL 2023 was 12.4%.

[4th&long]

Insider James Larsen hearing his own info...

>>Obviously, there are quite a few cities that the #UFL is looking at in regards to expansion.

When it comes to markets that don't feature NFL teams, a couple that I've been told are potential landing spots: Columbus (OH), & Louisville (KY).

Very early in the process, of course, so plenty is subject to change. But, it appears that those two cities are higher on the list than others at the moment.  <<

Like Columbus ... not keen on Louisville.

Columbus is like a north version of SA, growing TV market (#32, .83%) , growing economy.  Louisville (#48, .58%) is another Memphis.  Not on my watch!
 

[johnnyangryfuzzball]

Columbus would be a hand-in-glove fit for the UFL. Building on that Michigan-Ohio rivalry, a market that not only has other major teams (MLS and NHL) but an open stadium and isn't too crowded.

Louisville... it fits their geographic footprint but they haven't had major ball since the ABA in the 1970s and haven't had pro football since the 1920s. Definitely an out-of-the-box pick. I'm not saying it couldn't work—I think of Omaha in the last UFL being similarly "out there"—but it doesn't "wow" me. Louisville is kind of an oasis in that state, a modern city in a state that is otherwise gentry in Lexington and poverty everywhere else.

Of course, I take Larsen's word with a grain of salt since his reporting on the merger was so far all over the place.

Genuinely surprised Florida markets aren't at the top of the list. Might it be weather concerns (a muggy, humid swamp isn't exactly ideal in late spring after all)?

[GregParks]

Genuinely surprised Florida markets aren't at the top of the list. Might it be weather concerns (a muggy, humid swamp isn't exactly ideal in late spring after all)?

I remember covering an Orlando game in March 2023 and even then the sun was beating down on the fans and it was brutal to have to sit out there for three hours. Add to the fact that the schedule has now been pushed into late spring and summer, and that makes a lot of Florida untenable. Fans will be willing to bake to watch established teams like the Bucs and Dolphins; not so much an expansion UFL team, methinks. If the UFL were to go into Florida, they'd have to find a place with enough shade for the fans. I'm not sure where that would be.

On another note, I do wonder, because the UFL specifically mentioned in the release that they'll be "accepting proposals" from new markets, whether or not those proposals will involve a financial piece? WWE and UFC are in a position where they're able to take bids from cities for their marquee events. I know the UFL isn't at that level yet, but I wonder if an "expansion fee" or something like that is part of this?

[johnnyangryfuzzball]

On another note, I do wonder, because the UFL specifically mentioned in the release that they'll be "accepting proposals" from new markets, whether or not those proposals will involve a financial piece? WWE and UFC are in a position where they're able to take bids from cities for their marquee events. I know the UFL isn't at that level yet, but I wonder if an "expansion fee" or something like that is part of this?

Oh, I'm sure. You'll recall that part of the deal with the Tampa Bay Vipers was a rent-free agreement to use their stadium and the stadium in Plant City for practices. They'll be listening to sweeteners as much as cities will offer.

I'll bet Canton makes a push, too, though Columbus being in the league makes that one a tougher sell unless it's for a regional hub.

[4th&long]

On another note, I do wonder, because the UFL specifically mentioned in the release that they'll be "accepting proposals" from new markets, whether or not those proposals will involve a financial piece? WWE and UFC are in a position where they're able to take bids from cities for their marquee events. I know the UFL isn't at that level yet, but I wonder if an "expansion fee" or something like that is part of this?

Oh, I'm sure. You'll recall that part of the deal with the Tampa Bay Vipers was a rent-free agreement to use their stadium and the stadium in Plant City for practices. They'll be listening to sweeteners as much as cities will offer.

I'll bet Canton makes a push, too, though Columbus being in the league makes that one a tougher sell unless it's for a regional hub.

I think its either or here Canton (Cleveland) or Columbus - but agree that once the UFL appears open to the State its what city/stadium sweetens the offer.  In fact the open call for cities may in fact be put in place to get a better deal from highly targeted market.  At any rate - competition makes for better deals.

Columbus - growing market but smaller, centrally located in state, #32 market (Neilsen .83% household mkt share). No NFL, MLB or NBA but huge CFB.

Canton (cleveland) - Bigger market #19 market (Neilsen 1.25% household mkt share), perfect Canton stadium, but has NFL, MLB and NBA.

i think either will work and have benefits but Columbus has lower risk and more upside potential long term.

I think either will work, but Columbus is sports starved

And this GA game is insane!

[4th&long]

https://www.si.com/fannation/ufl/ufl-ne ... giving-day

>>. Here are some markets SI.com believes could be viable options for the UFL in expansion.

1. Seattle, Washington
2. Tulsa, Oklahoma
3. Portland, Oregon
4. San Diego, California
5. Harrison, New Jersey

Other Potential UFL Expansion Locations

• Canton, Ohio
• Louisville, Kentucky
• Omaha, Nebraska
• Orlando, Florida
• New Orleans, Louisiana. <<

Read the article for insight on the top 5.

I can see 3/5 (Sea, Port, NJ) from main list and 2/5 (Canton, Orlando) from the other list.