For passionate football fans seeking to fill the sports and entertainment void in the wake of the NFL postseason, playing Fantasy in the United Football League (UFL) might be an option. In a bid to attract the attention of ardent NFL fans, the UFL is the latest iteration of a post season football alternative to the NFL. Formed by a merger of the pre-existing XFL and USFL leagues, the UFL has positioned itself as a legitimate spring football alternative. Now with games broadcast on ABC, FOX and ESPN, an exciting UFL season could help ease that post Super Bowl melancholy.
Missing NFL Fantasy? Consider UFL Fantasy
But First A Bit of History
Conceived by WWE entrepreneur, Vince McMahon, the XFL was founded as a minor league winter football league. Under McMahon’s stewardship, the XFL initially found an audience. But after only five games, the second season ended prematurely, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Soon afterwards, the XFL filed for bankruptcy and its future looked bleak. Meanwhile, the USFL, another alternative football league, emerged in 2022. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, the USFL encountered its own share of growing pains in establishing a competitive identity.
As both leagues struggled to make an impact, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and his ex-wife and business partner, Dany Garcia, stepped in to breath new life into the XFL. Partnering with RedBird Capital, a global investment firm that has former NBC Sports and Entertainment President, Jeff Zucker, as a managing partner, the new owners formed a consortium and acquired the league for $15 million dollars. In December of 2023, it was announced that the two leagues would become one. Rebranded as the United Football League and boasting their leagues most successful teams and talented players, the newly merged UFL is ready to kick off its inaugural season.
Notable Players
For young players eager to hone their skills, the UFL, or its previous incarnations, could be a launching pad for a successful NFL career. It could also provide a direct gateway into the NFL during the season when injuries mount and teams are looking for replacement players. For example, one of the most successful NFL kickers this past season, Brandon Aubrey, of the Dallas Cowboys, got his start in the USFL playing for the Birmingham Stallions. Aubrey’s outstanding kicking led to the Stallion’s back to back championship seasons and caught the attention of the Cowboys, who were actively seeking a talented young kicker.
Or, another example is the story of A.J. McCarron, a former Quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, who played for the XFL St. Louis BattleHawks and was recently resigned as a back up to Jake Browning in the later part of the Bengals 2023 season. In addition, for veteran players, who aren’t quite ready to hang up their helmets, the UFL can provide another opportunity to continue playing a sport they love in a competitive fashion.
Why Play UFL Fantasy?
From a Fantasy standpoint, the emergence of the new UFL league could offer beginning players an opportunity to learn the game in a less intimidating format. As a smaller league with fewer teams, a shorter 10 game season and less players to track, the UFL provides an easy entree’ into the world of Fantasy football. UFL Fantasy rules require only six teams per league so there are fewer teams to compete against. If you’ve always wanted to try your hand at NFL Fantasy, this could be a great way to begin. By playing UFL Fantasy in the offseason, you could learn the game, develop your skills and be fully ready to embrace the challenge of NFL Fantasy in the fall.
If you’re considering joining a UFL Fantasy League, check out UFLnewshub.com for all the details. This is a great time to join a league and get to know the teams and player personnel ahead of the Fantasy draft. The 2024 season kicks off in Arlington, Texas on March 30th, with a competitive match up between the former XFL Champion Arlington Renegades and the former two-time USFL Champion Birmingham Stallions. So, cheers to an exciting UFL and Fantasy season!
Main Image: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Brilliant article!!!