10 Possible Cities for XFL Teams in 2020:

10. Las Vegas, NV - Bringing an XFL team back to Vegas makes a marginal amount of sense. The Oakland Raiders will become the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020, so the desert city would become a football mecca almost overnight.

09. San Diego, CA - The added benefit of putting a team in San Diego is the appeal for personnel. Southern California has a wealth of universities pumping out college football players.

8. Columbus, OH - In that same thread, Columbus would be poised to recruit players from one of the top football factories in the country.
...Columbus is halfway between Cleveland and Cincinnati. . .

7. St. Louis, MO - . . . The Dome at America’s Center, formerly known as the Edward Jones Dome, still stands, so the matter of a temporary home isn’t as big of an issue.

6. Birmingham, AL - . . . A revived franchise could bring professional pride back to ‘Bama, particularly if some underrated star power from the Crimson Tide finds its way onto XFL rosters.

5. Chicago, IL - . . . Would one of the most storied fanbases in the NFL say no to watching football year-round?

4. New York, NY - What? Four football teams in New York is too many? Nonsense. . .

3. Oklahoma City, OK - . . . Plus, the city is far enough from both Kansas City and Dallas to draw interest from fans looking for alternatives to the Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys.

2. Portland, OR - . . . Adding a professional football team helps round out the Portland Trailblazers and Portland Timbers and brings the city one step closer to becoming a sports hub in the northwest.

1. San Antonio, TX - . . . Football fans in San Antonio have to divide their loyalties between the Cowboys, the Houston Texans, or choosing another team that gets no local coverage on Sunday afternoon. Imagine tens of thousands of screaming fans packed into the Alamodome on gameday.

Source: http://lastwordonprofootball.com/2018/01/25/10-possible-cities-for-xfl-teams-2020/

They already announced cities I posted above and OKC barely missed out.

Seems as though OKC barely missed being considered for this first expansion to Memphis.

OKC - 40%
Dallas - 7%
Austin - 7%
Memphis - 46%

West Division
San Diego
Las Vegas
Portland
Omaha

East Division
New York
Birmingham
Columbus
Memphis

Sorry Zuplar, I misread your post. Do you have a link to the above XFL 2020 announcement of cities.

Sorry Zuplar, I misread your post. Do you have a link to the above XFL 2020 announcement of cities.

I actually got that info directly from their Twitter.

I actually got that info directly from their Twitter.

Found the Twitter reference; we almost made the cut. The difference between OKC and Memphis; Memphis has a city owned 56,000 seat stadium. We have 7,500 seat OKCPS Taft Stadium.

6 of the 8 XFL franchises will probably be playing in city owned venue except Las Vegas & New York. NFL Raiders are scheduled to play in a new $2 billion stadium in Las Vegas in 2019. The XFL Las Vegas franchise will probably return to UNLV's 40,000 seat Sam Boyd Stadium.

We are probably the next city who could obtain an XFL franchise by relocation or future XFL expansion. Vegas' franchise will have a challenge--keep your eye on XFL - LV; will be much like Dallas with the NFL Cowboys & the AFL Dallas Texans (now Kansas City Chiefs) co-existed for one year.


https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/warehouse/getpubliccontent?contentId=d1abd26c-2425-4f35-a5f2-44ce483cc893

OKC needs to partnership with the Funks; construct & fully finance a debt free 20,000-seat MLS stadium.

https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/18/8186cd11-bb66-5e2f-9cf2-6311d6862a70/5c080368db699.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800

It's not the NFL, but pro football will return in 2020 as XFL selects St. Louis for franchise: https://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/it-s-not-the-nfl-but-pro-football-will-return/article_cde6cbe6-4723-520d-b0b4-c8b6a35c3b65.html#tracking-source=home-breaking

Teams and their venues (primary tenant in parentheses):


Dallas: Globe Life Park (Texas Rangers, MLB)

Houston: BBVA Compass Stadium (Houston Dynamo, MLS)

Los Angeles: StubHub Center (LA Chargers, NFL/LA Galaxy, MLS)

New York: MetLife Stadium (New York Giants and Jets, NFL)

St. Louis: Dome at America's Center (formerly St. Louis Rams, 1995-2015)

Seattle: CenturyLink Field (Seattle Seahawks, NFL/Seattle Sounders, MLS)

Tampa Bay: Raymond James Stadium (Tampa Bay Buccaneers, NFL)

Washington: Audi Field (D.C. United, MLS)

A new football league being created by former players picking OKC as a location for a team.

"The league did not say when it would begin play, though it did say the first 10 teams would be the San Diego Warriors, Oklahoma City Power, Portland Progress, Texas Revolution, Ohio Players, Florida Strong, Birmingham Kings, St. Louis Independence, Connecticut Underground and Oakland Panthers."

http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25470052/former-nfl-players-plan-launch-freedom-football-league

And there are these guys who are slated to start in 2019, right after the Super Bowl.
https://aaf.com
Everybody is looking to make a buck. Track record for any start up since the AFL & NFL merged in 1970 is zero.
USFL, WFL, and others that never made it off the drawing board. Color me skeptical based on history.

A new football league being created by former players picking OKC as a location for a team.

"The league did not say when it would begin play, though it did say the first 10 teams would be the San Diego Warriors, Oklahoma City Power, Portland Progress, Texas Revolution, Ohio Players, Florida Strong, Birmingham Kings, St. Louis Independence, Connecticut Underground and Oakland Panthers."

http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25470052/former-nfl-players-plan-launch-freedom-football-league

typically only about 2 in 7 of these leagues ever make it off the ground... there is one announced about every two years. We are still playing a wait and see with the AAF. (https://aaf.com/) they have their 8 teams announced and a start date of February 2nd of 2019. The XFL has big money behind it, so i think it will have at least one season.

most of these leagues only last 1 or 2 years. remember the UFL? the reformed WFL? the FXFL? the 2013 attempt to revive the USFL? the SFL? the SUSFL? the MWFL? most of these you can't even find on google and need to go back and find their now defunct sites on archive.org.

and this doesn't even include the literally 13 different indoor leagues that have existed since 2000

so we shall see if this league ever comes into existence.

A new football league being created by former players picking OKC as a location for a team.

"The league did not say when it would begin play, though it did say the first 10 teams would be the San Diego Warriors, Oklahoma City Power, Portland Progress, Texas Revolution, Ohio Players, Florida Strong, Birmingham Kings, St. Louis Independence, Connecticut Underground and Oakland Panthers."

http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25470052/former-nfl-players-plan-launch-freedom-football-league

We don't want that one. We want the XFL. If any of the new leagues are going to make it I think the XFL has the best shot. They are in larger cities and can attract more eyeballs in turn leads to more advertising dollars which in turn leads to more stability.

Here's an idea. If OKC could get in the XFL then you could build an stadium that could also be the home to soccer. Prob. 20-25k seats should do it IMO.

I wouldn't be surprised if the NFL starts it's own developmental league. I'm kinda surprised they haven't already. If you have ever watched hard knocks on HBO there are so many talented players that get cut. Maybe bring back some of the talent that goes to the CFL, and be above the talent of arena league. I think it would be very successful. They would play over the spring and summer, and those prospects who do well could make it on the parent team in the fall.
They did, the World League of American Football. Teams in the US and Europe in the spring. They closed the US division and Europe held on for awhile. Some owners didn't want to continue spending money on it.

The WFL and USFL failed because they tried to compete with the NFL for players and going to a fall season, the XFL was not going after NFL players directly. I think they learned a lot from the failed attempt and are looking for a more serious interpretation this time. The CFL attempted US expansion for a few years before terminating the US teams. I think there is more year round interest in football now than under previous attempts.

As far as the CTE issue a friend that I went all through school with and was an all-state running back is now battling ALS and its progression has been rapid. He was a battering ram type of running back and he feels he had more concussions from other sports/activities than he did football. Granted, it was more from a cumulative effect, no one will ever know. There are still many out there that want to play, if you play anything, participate in any activity (not just football) you assume the risks involved. The population is larger so you have a bigger pool of potential players willing to take the risk. That is the reason why there are so many more competitive college teams than in the past.

I think an MLS size stadium would be the perfect, a minor league type of league has no business playing in 60,000+ seat stadiums.

I am all for it if that helps us get a 20 to 30k seats soccer\football built nicely.
We could use for the energy FC, Minor Football, HS football and maybe the US Nat team and the gold Cup.

Some of the state soccer tournaments could be played there as well. Plus concerts, motorcross, monster trucks, etc.

https://media1.fdncms.com/okgazette/imager/u/blog/5220553/taft_stadium.jpg?cb=1543960713
A new stadium for Oklahoma City Energy Football Club is one of the proposed initiatives for the fourth Metropolitan Area Projects (MAPS) plan.


“This is our time to write the next chapter in Oklahoma City’s story,” Holt said in a MAPS video posted on the city’s website. “It is time to talk about MAPS 4 and dream big again.”

Since October, Holt said he has received a little over 1,000 ideas from community members, and while an advisory board exists to review MAPS 3 projects, no such board has been created to assess ideas for MAPS 4 so far.

Oklahoma Gazette - Drawing MAPS: https://www.okgazette.com/oklahoma/drawing-maps/Content?oid=5220549


The city’s Better Streets, Safer City initiative launched in 2017 and the temporary sales tax incorporated through the project will expire in Spring 2020, Holt said.

“We’ll dedicate 2019 to planning and 2020 to executing our plans,” Holt said. “2020 is right around the corner.”

Email Vince McMahon and ask for him to consider OKC for XFL. I actually think this league has a chance to stay around a while. I hear they will have a tv contract and will be looking for team owners in the future. Tons of really good players out there that just miss making an NFL roster can make for some pretty good football. I doubt OKC will ever get an NFL team but this XFL could be something that we could get behind. It would def. make passing a stadium pkg. easier if you coupled it with soccer. You would be in a league with larger cities and garner more great pub for Okc. I could get excited about it and would prob. buy season tickets. Not so much for the other 2 new leagues since they don't look to have the financial backing like the XFL does and prob. wont be around long.

The upcoming Alliance of American Football and XFL are both offshoots of the first XFL: The XFL obviously has the name and one season heritage, plus Vince McMahon and his WWE organization, with their great marketing and male demographic understanding. But then NBC Sports president Dick Ebersol was the driving force behind the original XFL, with his recent loss of the NFL he had the cash and ready made Network TV structure for almost any football league to step into. Dick's son, Charlie, has always wanted to make another run at pro football, and has spent years developing a long term, spring football league. The original USFL model was a better pattern than the XFL, and Ebersol appears to be assembling cities that don't have NFL teams, are college football interest areas, is arranging regional talent pooling, deep pro football experience, senior Major TV experience, and a desire to draw younger viewers while keeping the long term fan.

I think AAF is going to be a better fit for Oklahoma City, both in terms of long term commitment and type of football played.

Some of the state soccer tournaments could be played there as well. Plus concerts, motorcross, monster trucks, etc.
They used Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City (Denver) for a lot of events in addition to Rapids and US Soccer games. I think the had the NCAA LaCrosse championships here a few years ago.

They used Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City (Denver) for a lot of events in addition to Rapids and US Soccer games. I think the had the NCAA LaCrosse championships here a few years ago.

We could build a venue on the Oklahoma River on city owned land with an elevated lower bowl that could be used for auto racing, soccer, American football, outdoor rodeo and bid for some of the national events like the NCAA championships: LaCrosse, soccer & field hockey. Participate in bids for NCAA men & women's division I & II championships.

Begin with 25,000 chair back seats in an oval shaped stadium lower & upper deck venue where we more than satisfy MLS minimum requirements. Build unfinished suites between the upper & lower bowls; allow the anchor tenant to build to suit.

The new football leagues like the XFL, Alliance for American Football League (AAF) or the Freedom Football League (FFL) would be allowed to lease the stadium. We could build something on city owned riverfront land for $50-$75 million.

Strange change with the XFL, recall February 2018 announcement of the 8 cities considered: San Diego, Las Vegas, Portland, Omaha, New York, Birmingham, Columbus, Memphis. OKC barely missed the cut.

December 5, 2018 announcement; they are in 7 current NFL markets: New York, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Seattle, Tampa Bay and Washington, St. Louis which hosted the Rams will be the 8th city for the XFL 2020 relaunch.

XFL has the best chance for national TV exposure thru Vince McMahon's NFL alternative.

We definitely need a venue if OKC wants to be considered for relocation should any of the selected markets have problems.

We should go for Jai alai instead!

Strange change with the XFL, recall February 2018 announcement of the 8 cities considered: San Diego, Las Vegas, Portland, Omaha, New York, Birmingham, Columbus, Memphis. OKC barely missed the cut.

December 5, 2018 announcement; they are in 7 current NFL markets: New York, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Seattle, Tampa Bay and Washington, St. Louis which hosted the Rams will be the 8th city for the XFL 2020 relaunch.

XFL has the best chance for national TV exposure thru Vince McMahon's NFL alternative.

We definitely need a venue if OKC wants to be considered for relocation should any of the selected markets have problems.

Those are all top 20 TV markets. If they can get somewhat established I bet they start expanding to the smaller markets like Portland , San Antonio OKC , Louisville types. I hope the XFL can make it and add some teams down the road. OKC doesn't have a stadium so they would def. have to agree to build one if the XFL agreed to put a team here. Problem right now though is that the XFL is not established and NO city is going to build a stadium for an XFL team right now.

I have no idea what is driving this XFL love: the television brains associated with the original is now behind the AAF, who are coming to market first, in better cities, and with better business plans and football operations people. The only thing I see favoring the XFL is Vince McMahon and He Hate Me.

I think most folks couldn't care less about yet another minor league team in OKC. If we can't even sustain a minor league arena team like the Yard Dawgz, or a major league arena team like the Wranglers, what makes anyone think we could support another minor league football franchise?

How is it that no one has talked about this yet? Everyone still in shock that Bob Stoops is coaching in the XFL?

https://newsok.com/article/5622281/xfl-hires-former-ou-coach-bob-stoops-to-lead-dallas-franchise

How is it that no one has talked about this yet? Everyone still in shock that Bob Stoops is coaching in the XFL?

https://newsok.com/article/5622281/xfl-hires-former-ou-coach-bob-stoops-to-lead-dallas-franchise

I think you're right.
However, this is perfect for Stoops, IMO. He can watch his son(s) play college ball and probably doesn't have to do heavy lifting until after Christmas. Should give him a chance to stay coaching and have lower stress.

I think you're right.
However, this is perfect for Stoops, IMO. He can watch his son(s) play college ball and probably doesn't have to do heavy lifting until after Christmas. Should give him a chance to stay coaching and have lower stress.

That's kind of what I was thinking too with the lower stress.

I'm sure he got an ownership in the league. That combined with flexible hours I'm sure was hard to turn down.

I'm sure he got an ownership in the league. That combined with flexible hours I'm sure was hard to turn down.

Doesn't he have some sort of duties with OU still?
I'm skeptical that he will get anything other than a salary. I'm guessing on 1m per year based on coach and gm. I give this new XFL a lifespan of no more than 2 years, if they get it off the ground. Their spring competition, AAF starts this weekend on CBS. The AAF is already lined up to appear on several networks including the NFL network.

Doesn't he have some sort of duties with OU still?
I'm skeptical that he will get anything other than a salary. I'm guessing on 1m per year based on coach and gm. I give this new XFL a lifespan of no more than 2 years, if they get it off the ground. Their spring competition, AAF starts this weekend on CBS. The AAF is already lined up to appear on several networks including the NFL network.

FWIW the XFL is most likely going to be on ABC/ESPN and Fox Sports. I'd think at the end of the day if those come to fruition that gives the XFL a leg up on networks honestly. We'll see. Another thought is that the XFL and AAF end up merging into one entity.

FWIW the XFL is most likely going to be on ABC/ESPN and Fox Sports. I'd think at the end of the day if those come to fruition that gives the XFL a leg up on networks honestly. We'll see. Another thought is that the XFL and AAF end up merging into one entity.

plus the AAF isn't a name... people might honestly turn in to the XFL the first few weeks next year, just because of the name recognition... basically the abysmal failure in 2001, might be what is it's saving grace this time

plus the AAF isn't a name... people might honestly turn in to the XFL the first few weeks next year, just because of the name recognition... basically the abysmal failure in 2001, might be what is it's saving grace this time

Recruiting Bob Stoops is a good start for the XFL. I wonder if they can keep it up.

Berry Trammel on the many failed start up football leagues. Also included is a brief blurb on the AAF and the coaches they have already hired including Spurrier, Rick Neuheissel, and Dennis Erickson. I guess this article would be a good reason on why I am skeptical of this working. Insanity is repeating what does not work and hoping for a different result. After the College and NFL season, I believe most sports fans are ready for the NBA, NHL, or NCAAM, not second or third rate football.

https://newsok.com/article/5622308/football-history-is-littered-with-failed-minor-leagues

Who knows Ohio & Oklahoma better than Bob Stoops. If this franchise doesn't work in Dallas--Columbus or Oklahoma City may be the next stop.


The Columbus Partnership and potential new Columbus Crew SC ownership group led by Pete Edwards, Jr. and Dee and Jimmy Haslam have revealed their plan for a new downtown stadium, announced Thursday.

The proposed $230 million, 20,000-capacity stadium is proposed to be part of a 33-acre site with a riverfront park, 885 new residences and more.

Why Columbus, 'Plans revealed for potential new stadium in Columbus': https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/12/06/plans-revealed-potential-new-stadium-columbus

The XFL franchises are in all but one current NFL market (Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa & Washington D.C.)

Xtreme Football League - XFL: Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa & Washington D.C.

Alliance of American Football - AAF: Arizona (Phoenix), Atlanta, Birmingham (Alabama), Memphis, Orlando, Salt Lake City, San Antonio and San Diego

Freedom Football League - FFL: San Diego, Oakland, St. Louis, Birmingham (Alabama), Oklahoma City, Portland (Oregon), plus in Texas, Florida, Ohio and Connecticut.

Which league will make the cut?

I think the fact that both leagues to some degree are realizing the right move is to act like a feeder to the NFL and allow players more flexibility in contracts will really help their case. Both the XFL and AAF have 8 teams in different cities. To me they should just combine now and go all in as a link between college/JUCO and NFL as a spring league and they’d probably have enough success to make it. Staying separate will mean one of them dies off at some point. But I’d have to agree the XFL seems to have better recognition and taking their time this time around. It may pay off for them.

I think the fact that both leagues to some degree are realizing the right move is to act like a feeder to the NFL and allow players more flexibility in contracts will really help their case. Both the XFL and AAF have 8 teams in different cities. To me they should just combine now and go all in as a link between college/JUCO and NFL as a spring league and they’d probably have enough success to make it. Staying separate will mean one of them dies off at some point. But I’d have to agree the XFL seems to have better recognition and taking their time this time around. It may pay off for them.

Your keys stick (double post). Had to replace my keyboard, dongle & mouse. Can't keep the grandchildren from snacking in the computer room. One thing about grandchildren, you can spoil them to death. ;)

Who knows Ohio & Oklahoma better than Bob Stoops. If this franchise doesn't work in Dallas--Columbus or Oklahoma City may be the next stop.



Why Columbus, 'Plans revealed for potential new stadium in Columbus': https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/12/06/plans-revealed-potential-new-stadium-columbus

The XFL franchises are in all but one current NFL market (Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa & Washington D.C.)

Xtreme Football League - XFL: Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa & Washington D.C.

Alliance of American Football - AAF: Arizona (Phoenix), Atlanta, Birmingham (Alabama), Memphis, Orlando, Salt Lake City, San Antonio and San Diego

Freedom Football League - FFL: San Diego, Oakland, St. Louis, Birmingham (Alabama), Oklahoma City, Portland (Oregon), plus in Texas, Florida, Ohio and Connecticut.

Which league will make the cut?

I had not even heard about the FFL till today, though it seems like there strategy of getting the larger cities without a NFL team seems slightly more plausible of working than the XFL succeeding as being a minor league team in cities with established NFL teams, but still a longshot for any one of these leagues to get enough talent together and operate long enough to become a product better than high tier college programs. (It is mostly the AAF's strategy too, though there is some overlap with NFL but oddly not the largest metros like the XLF is mostly sticking to)

Given the AAF and FFL seem to both being all over the country, having multiple duplicates between the three and not terribly large amount of teams in league to begin with in either. It almost seems like which ever has trouble faster may have teams jump to the other if allowed to do so. IIRC that would be less likely with XFL since the last time they were all owned by the league and probably can be set up that same way again.

i think the winner is the one that chooses to not adopt the NFL policy of 3 year wait after high school. if one of these does a one and done, or even two years out of high school policy, they can get some notoriety with drafting freshman who play significantly well, and their marketing is basically done for them.

example. if the XFL drafts Trevor Lawrence away from Clemson a full year before the NFL will look at him... i think it will put a bunch of eyes on the product and the XFL can capitalize on what will essentially be a one year player for them. if they are having to complete with the NFL for all of their talent, i think they will fail... this is where i think most leagues fail. go look at the one success story of the AFL, and the almost was able to do it USFL... what were they able to do differently to make them successful? they were able to steal talent from the NFL because the pay wasn't near where it is today... new leagues can't do this... so they have to find another way to complete and grab NFL caliber talent that people want to see... i think the only way is a one and done method... use college football as a way to put eyes on the best freshman, and then look at them and say "hey, why play in college for free, when you can come play here for 2 years and still get drafted by the NFL when the time comes."

Freedom Football League - FFL: San Diego, Oakland, St. Louis, Birmingham (Alabama), Oklahoma City, Portland (Oregon), plus in Texas, Florida, Ohio and Connecticut: https://www.freedomfootball.co/teams/

The FFL will field a 10 team spring & summer league; it will not reside in current NFL markets.


https://d33wubrfki0l68.cloudfront.net/88e5747581efbdadd3a846d7c222383d8f081171/1c1f0/assets/images/teams_oklahoma_city.jpg
Oklahoma City Power

"The fans in OKC are like no other as they stand up until their team scores. But that is basketball. In a region rich with natural gas and oil, it is no secret that the energy industry powers the economy. The FFL intends to spread that wealth and reward the fans for their commitment, as the Oklahoma Power will trailblaze a new team in a region known for some of the greatest, winningest college football. The Freedom Football league welcomes the OKC team into the league and gives the Power to the people."

IMO, Oklahoma City needs to be ready to host a variety of sports into our community. Whether or not the FFL ever comes to fruition; there will be future opportunities with the possibility that the XFL need relocation or future expansion cities.


https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/x/football-stadium-arena-green-seats-grass-blue-sky-46733875.jpg

We have an opportunity with the MAPS 4 initiative to place a stadium for USL/MLS Oklahoma City Energy; also XFL as most new leagues experience some franchise relocation. Taft's 7,500 seat capacity is a non starter. We need to have a venue with no less than initial 15,000 seat capacity on a site that could have unlimited expansion potential.

ESPN: Former NFL players plan to launch Freedom Football League: http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25470052/former-nfl-players-plan-launch-freedom-football-league

XFL will be the last one standing (for a while anyways) IMO. FFL will be the first to fail. XFL will be interesting to see if they can secure long tern tv deal. If so,I believe it has a chance since they will have investors with pockets. AAFL will be dependent on NFL and NFL owners are very greedy and do not like to spend anything outside the NFL. Plus they are looking at potential future CTE Lawsuits out the ying yang. XFL is the one to jump on board with IMO. OKC could be in line for a team if their first season goes well. XFL will be in major markets and that should be able to secure them some decent tv contracts,Eyeballs. Plus the XFL will not be cowering to the mighty NFL like the AAFL will be.

plus the AAF isn't a name... people might honestly turn in to the XFL the first few weeks next year, just because of the name recognition... basically the abysmal failure in 2001, might be what is it's saving grace this time
Gee, I don't know about that. XFL crashed and burned in one year last time. Yeah they do have name recognition but it is in a negative light. I can't imagine Ford launching a new compact car and naming it Pinto.
I know I have a negative opinion here but it is due to the
fact that I am over 60 yoa and have personally lived through these failed start up leagues.

Gee, I don't know about that. XFL crashed and burned in one year last time. Yeah they do have name recognition but it is in a negative light. I can't imagine Ford launching a new compact car and naming it Pinto.
I know I have a negative opinion here but it is due to the
fact that I am over 60 yoa and have personally lived through these failed start up leagues.

i think week one. people will turn in though to see if it the train wreck that was the 2001 season... and if a quality product is on the field... they will stick around

here is why the AAF will fail... people already say that the NFL is getting closer to flag football... maybe their association with the NFL will be their downfall
https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/02/08/aaf-puts-significant-limits-on-blitzes/


While scanning the AAF rulebook rulebook, the following restrictions on defensive formations stood out: (1) no more than five players may rush on passing plays; (2) any player who aligns on the line of scrimmage either prior to or at the snap is designated as one of the five players regardless of whether he rushes; (3) no defensive player may rush from a position more than two yards outside the widest offensive lineman and more than five yards from the line of scrimmage (they’ll call it the “defensive pressure box”); (4) a player is deemed eligible to rush if he has both feet inside the box at the snap; (5) no more than four players may rush from the same side of the ball; (6) adjacent linebackers may not rush from the same side of the ball; and (7) two or more linebackers aligned between the offensive guards may not rush.

So, basically, up to five players can rush the passer and each of those five players must be aligned within two yards of the widest offensive lineman and five yards of the line of scrimmage. This means that there will be no corner blitzes. There will be no delayed blitzes from linebackers and safeties. There will be no double-A gap blitzes.

so the AAF will basically be glorified padded exhibition games...

Alliance of American Football (AAF - Attendance figures): https://www.bettheprop.com/2019/02/08/aaf-prop-bets-taking-attendance-for-opening-weekend-of-american-alliance-of-football/

The AAF did not release exact attendance figures; those estimates, we don't know how accurate they are or the number of season ticket holders. Still much TBD. Based on pictures release from the Alamodome in San Antonio and the Camping World Stadium in Orlando (both venue has listed 65,000-seat capacities) the lower bowl sections of those stadiums appeared to be partially full.



https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5ac0fad33c3a53e83eaa1e6a/t/5ac59a1f8a922d6acb86a3b3/1529449237091/?format=1500w


Going for two

– There are no extra points. Teams must go for two after every touchdown. Field goals are still allowed during regulation play but not overtime.

“There’s definitely going to be some different scores than we’re accustomed to,” Savage said. “The two-point plays, usually you only have to have a pocket full of those. Now, you have to have a season’s worth.”

Opinion: Alliance of American Football will serve as a laboratory for changing the rules of football: https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/2019/02/10/alliance-of-american-football-rules/2830050002/

Watched the AAF league game Arizona Hotshots vs. Salt Lake City Stallions on the NFL channel. Both of these franchises are based in collegiate football stadiums; Arizona, Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe and Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City.

The cameras avoid the stands because the crowds just aren't there yet.

It will take time to build a brand for the new off season leagues. Oklahoma City needs to sit tight until the dust clears; avoid these pop-up leagues. XFL will be open to relocation because they are going head-to-head competition with their NFL counterparts.

There will be time to invest in a stadium that could host USL-MLS which we need to get on MAPS 4. A future pop-up league like the AAF, XFL or the Freedom Football League (FFL) will be available, the FFL have already indicated that OKC will be one of their markets.

These leagues will get TV contracts; some of the franchises are in small markets (Memphis, Salt Lake City, Birmingham) in the proximity of major universities.

University of Oklahoma will probably be open to leasing Gaylord Memorial Stadium on an interim basis provided OKC has their own stadium plan; definitely nothing long term.

Oklahoma City need to allow the dust to clear; then we will be seen as a market with great potential.

I watched the San Antonio game, which is our 'regional team' with the tie ins it has to OU, Dallas Cowboys, etc, and I was surprised at how full the stands were at that particular game. Granted I watched the other games, and there weren't many people, but SA had a good showing. With the fact they seem to be one of the better teams, that may give the AAF a boost.

I watched the San Antonio game, which is our 'regional team' with the tie ins it has to OU, Dallas Cowboys, etc, and I was surprised at how full the stands were at that particular game. Granted I watched the other games, and there weren't many people, but SA had a good showing. With the fact they seem to be one of the better teams, that may give the AAF a boost.

Couldn't help but notice the AAF telecasts on the NFL channel.

Do you anticipate when the dust clears--after 2020; if there are teams standing, there could be a merger (AAF, XFL, FFL) to from a strong second pro-football league; similar to the competition between the old AFL and NFL that led to the merger.

Not sure when they would play, maybe as a summer league or a 2nd league to go head-to-head with the NFL.

Couldn't help but notice the AAF telecasts on the NFL channel.

Do you anticipate when the dust clears--after 2020; if there are teams standing, there could be a merger (AAF, XFL, FFL) to from a strong second pro-football league; similar to the competition between the old AFL and NFL that led to the merger.

Not sure when they would play, maybe as a summer league or a 2nd league to go head-to-head with the NFL.

i think more we will end up seeing something similar to what the CFL is now... i don't think it will ever get up there in terms of competition, because it won't ever have the money to compete... but with the CFL, yes

Couldn't help but notice the AAF telecasts on the NFL channel.

Do you anticipate when the dust clears--after 2020; if there are teams standing, there could be a merger (AAF, XFL, FFL) to from a strong second pro-football league; similar to the competition between the old AFL and NFL that led to the merger.

Not sure when they would play, maybe as a summer league or a 2nd league to go head-to-head with the NFL.

Yeah my guess is after 2 years or so after the XFL launches and these 2 leagues (I'm not betting the FFL ever turns into anything) have competed, you will see which teams have success and fan support and which ones don't, and at that time the leagues will merge. My guess is that is that the areas that have NFL teams won't have a ton of attendance and those may be the ones that don't make it. It seemed like San Antonio had the greatest showing, and they have a nice stadium that could easily have some upgrades and be a very professional looking stadium. I think they'll continue with the 'Spring' timing as IMO it has low competition from other sports, mainly NBA, so they can coexist. They are never going to go against the NFL, but if they want to be their D league, I think that's a winning ticket.

XFL needs to survive long enough to go head to head with the NFL. Believe or not there are a lot of people that refuse to support the NFL nowadays. They are ripe for the picking. This is why we are seeing these new leagues coming out. One of them will stick around for a while IMO. It appears that the XFL will have some bigger money investors and more than likely if any of these new leagues stick this will be the one. It would be great to have another legit Pro Football option other than the NFL. The NFL has become corrupt IMO.

XFL needs to survive long enough to go head to head with the NFL. Believe or not there are a lot of people that refuse to support the NFL nowadays. They are ripe for the picking. This is why we are seeing these new leagues coming out. One of them will stick around for a while IMO. It appears that the XFL will have some bigger money investors and more than likely if any of these new leagues stick this will be the one. It would be great to have another legit Pro Football option other than the NFL. The NFL has become corrupt IMO.

I would dare say many of the players in the NFL aren't particularly enamored with the league either. But money is better so there they stay.

XFL needs to survive long enough to go head to head with the NFL. Believe or not there are a lot of people that refuse to support the NFL nowadays. They are ripe for the picking. This is why we are seeing these new leagues coming out. One of them will stick around for a while IMO. It appears that the XFL will have some bigger money investors and more than likely if any of these new leagues stick this will be the one. It would be great to have another legit Pro Football option other than the NFL. The NFL has become corrupt IMO.

but tv viewship was up this year... and so was merch sales.. so i tend to think that there are not a lot of people that refuse to support... or if there are, they are being quickly replaced

ratings
https://www.forbes.com/sites/bradadgate/2018/11/26/nfl-scoring-is-up-and-so-are-ratings/#3f377b2c76cd
https://www.si.com/nfl-ratings-2018-amazon-prime-streaming-new-network-deals
http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25403546/nfl-television-ratings-5-percent-2018-season
https://www.thewrap.com/what-drove-the-nfls-tv-ratings-increase-in-2018/

and while the 2018 merch sales numbers are not official yet... remember that even with the 2017 rating numbers dropping for the third straight here, merch sales were up 40%
https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2018/02/12/Leagues-and-Governing-Bodies/SB-merch.aspx
https://magazine.promomarketing.com/article/nfl-merch-sales-40-percent/

and early indications for 2018 is that the numbers will show another increase this year

but tv viewship was up this year... and so was merch sales.. so i tend to think that there are not a lot of people that refuse to support... or if there are, they are being quickly replaced

ratings
https://www.forbes.com/sites/bradadgate/2018/11/26/nfl-scoring-is-up-and-so-are-ratings/#3f377b2c76cd
https://www.si.com/nfl-ratings-2018-amazon-prime-streaming-new-network-deals
http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25403546/nfl-television-ratings-5-percent-2018-season
https://www.thewrap.com/what-drove-the-nfls-tv-ratings-increase-in-2018/

and while the 2018 merch sales numbers are not official yet... remember that even with the 2017 rating numbers dropping for the third straight here, merch sales were up 40%
https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2018/02/12/Leagues-and-Governing-Bodies/SB-merch.aspx
https://magazine.promomarketing.com/article/nfl-merch-sales-40-percent/

and early indications for 2018 is that the numbers will show another increase this year

Maybe slightly up but that's after quite a few years of losses. The NFL is not nearly as popular today as it was 10-15 years ago. They have lost millions of fans.

Maybe slightly up but that's after quite a few years of losses. The NFL is not nearly as popular today as it was 10-15 years ago. They have lost millions of fans.

actually about a million fans... not millions... Sunday night football has lost about 2 million people watching that show. but between rating from 2006 to 2017 (final numbers and bottom of decline) and attendance from 2006 to 2017 (final numbers and bottom of decline)... it's about 1.2 million.

tv viewship over the same time frame as a whole is down way more... infact... when you compare tv number drop over the nfl drop in viewership... the NFL was doing very well... over that same time period that the nfl lost 1.2 million in fans, the Olympics lost 4 million, the winter Olympics 2.2 million, Baseball 2.4 million, NASCAR 4 million, PGA 3.1 million...

TV networks like the animal planet, TLC, and A&E lost 4.1, 4.4, and 5 million...

so maybe it isn't the NFL... maybe it's just TV...

NOTE: upon further research, there appears to be a few of those numbers that are a bit in dispute... but we are talking about by 200,000 people either way... so points still stand even if some of the numbers might be in dispute as to the actual figure

actually about a million fans... not millions... Sunday night football has lost about 2 million people watching that show. but between rating from 2006 to 2017 (final numbers and bottom of decline) and attendance from 2006 to 2017 (final numbers and bottom of decline)... it's about 1.2 million.

tv viewship over the same time frame as a whole is down way more... infact... when you compare tv number drop over the nfl drop in viewership... the NFL was doing very well... over that same time period that the nfl lost 1.2 million in fans, the Olympics lost 4 million, the winter Olympics 2.2 million, Baseball 2.4 million, NASCAR 4 million, PGA 3.1 million...

TV networks like the animal planet, TLC, and A&E lost 4.1, 4.4, and 5 million...

so maybe it isn't the NFL... maybe it's just TV...

NOTE: upon further research, there appears to be a few of those numbers that are a bit in dispute... but we are talking about by 200,000 people either way... so points still stand even if some of the numbers might be in dispute as to the actual figure
This so much. Heck go over to the cable cutters thread and you see that there are a number of people on this board that watch programming that is not picked up by Nielson or other rating services..

True there has been some damage to the NFL's brand self-inflected that will take time to recoup. Still think it will be difficult to go head-to-head with the NFL during the NFL and NCAA season. IMO, a summer league will have a better chance of long-term survival.

Has there been any more word as to whether OKC may/may not be up for an XFL franchise? And if so, where would they play?

Has there been any more word as to whether OKC may/may not be up for an XFL franchise? And if so, where would they play?

XFL has not talked any expansion, and their 8 teams for the inaugural season are already set. based upon talk vince has made over the past 18 years about the XFL, i wouldn't expect them to expand until after a 3rd season. So OKC's only hope would be them moving a team, and i think they will give 2-3 years to any city to try and support it before moving a franchise.

XFL has not talked any expansion, and their 8 teams for the inaugural season are already set. based upon talk vince has made over the past 18 years about the XFL, i wouldn't expect them to expand until after a 3rd season. So OKC's only hope would be them moving a team, and i think they will give 2-3 years to any city to try and support it before moving a franchise.

XFL teams are also found in cities with existing NFL teams. Except for St. Louis which the Rams moved from. Given that the AFL blew up in spectacular fashion 3/4ths into their opening season, it may be premature to talk about XFL expansion. Lets give them three years to see how they do.

XFL teams are also found in cities with existing NFL teams. Except for St. Louis which the Rams moved from.

and maybe more importantly when you consider the owner... Cities where the WWE is in good or great standing with the local communities...

and maybe more importantly when you consider the owner... Cities where the WWE is in good or great standing with the local communities...

the big difference is that it has now come out that the AAF had 17 mil in funding at launch the XFL will have 500 mil