Other recent articles: |
Published September 5, 2009 The United Football League is Coming
I am excited! Why am I excited? Because the United Football League (UFL) is coming. You may be asking why bother getting riled up for a second rate brand of professional football? Quite frankly I am just ready for something new, unique and fresh. I often root for worthwhile underdog startups. As many of you know I am involved with a startup organization of my own with The Association of RASCBall (cheap plug), so needless to say I am a proponent for similar projects. We have all seen startup leagues and sports of all kinds come and go over the years but the UFL has done it right. The brain trusts of the league have extensive NFL backgrounds, the coaches have NFL caliber pedigrees, The league plans to pay legitimate salaries, with intentions of playing the leagues superstar players in excess of 1 million dollars. The powers at be are doing a spectacular job of positioning themselves as the little brother to the NFL. Unlike previous counterparts of the USFL, XFL, etc. who clumsily went into a gun fight with the NFL carrying a slingshot, the UFL is openly accepting and embracing its role as a possible feeder league to the NFL. The UFL is taking methodical baby steps in order to enhance the likelihood of success. The business model and plan of implementation are both realistically achievable. The television deals inked with Versus and HDNet suits all parties involved splendidly. Both networks are able to try their hand at broadcasting professional football, while the UFL will be a true priority for both networks, unlike if they were on ESPN. The "soft launch" of a four team league with 13 total games is perfect for a trial and error approach. Just like with any startup entity, the league is bound to run into a stumbling block here or there. Each team's home schedule will be split between multiple cities to develop fans in several other target cities. The league hopes this method will attract additional owners as the league transitions from a concept in its infancy stage to a full fledged professional league. The league also intends to place most of its franchises in markets where the NFL has no presence. Over a dozen cities have been identified as potential team locations, including the likes of good old Columbus. Additionally, other intriguing cities such as Austin, Birmingham, Hartford, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Louisville, Milwaukee, Oklahoma City, Portland, Raleigh-Durham, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, and even Mexico City and London. Many prospective owners are taking a wait and see position. Needless to say many in the sports industry have their eyes fixated on this concept, eager to jump on the bandwagon. Obviously the big question facing the league is what will the standard of play be? It would be foolish for any of us to compare and contrast the UFL brand to that of the NFL. However I think we will see a better quality then the like of the now defunct Arena Football League. Which in and of itself wasn't a completely horrible brand of football but lets face it, the game itself was secondary to the spectacle and atmosphere. If the UFL demonstrates itself as a true brand of football and not a spectacle, sideshow or competitor I foresee a successful future with a niche fanbase. Come October 8th at 9pm EST, I’ll be in front of my beautiful 46 inch flat screen watching this unknown, unproven brand of pigskin. And unlike the previous time I eagerly anticipated the launch of a football league (XFL), this won’t be for the goof factor. The UFL truly intrigues me for all of the right reasons. I recommend you give it a peek and a legitimate chance as well. Additional UFL Information: United Football League Notable Staff Members- Rick Mueller, Michael Huyghue
California Redwoods Notable Names- Dennis Green, Robert Griffith, Paul Pelosi, BJ Sams
Florida Tuskers Notable Names- Jim Hasslet, Doug Gabriel, Jermaine Wiggins
Las Vegas Locomotives Notable Names- Jim Fassel, JP Losman, Tim Rattay, Tony Parrish
New York Sentinels Notable Names- Ted Cottrell, Quinn Gray, Cecil Sapp, LaBrandon Toefield
Notable Games: Premiere Game- Thursday, October 8 California at Las Vegas 9pm on Versus Debut Game on HDNet- Saturday, October 10 New York at Florida 7pm Championship Game- Friday. November 27 @ Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas 3pm on Versus
Web Sites:
So who will you be rooting for? I will be pulling for certain players from several teams. However as a lifelong Buffalo Bills fan I am pulling for JP Losman of the Las Vegas Locomotives. If Mr. Losman doesn't end up starting, then I will be pulling for the New york Sentinels, as I tend to have an affection for New York teams- NOT the Yankees however.
|
Add a Comment
Please be civil.