USFL To Resume In 2013 After Going Under In ’80s
The United States Football League (USFL) announced Thursday morning that Fred Biletnikoff, the Super Bowl XI MVP and 1988 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, and James Bailey, the Executive Vice President of the NFL’s Cleveland Browns/Baltimore Ravens franchise for 21 years, have been named to the USFL’s board of advisors.
Biletnikoff will serve on the football operations branch of the USFL’s advisory board, and Bailey will serve on the business operations branch. Biletnikoff and Bailey join former NFL and San Diego Chargers executive Jim Steeg on the board. Steeg was recently named Chairman of the USFL board of advisors.
“We are excited to have Fred and James on board to share their professional football expertise and insight as we prepare to successfully re-launch the USFL in 2013,” USFL President and Chief Executive Officer Jaime Cuadra said in a news release. “Their extensive backgrounds in the NFL will make them invaluable resources.”
The USFL is planning to field eight teams for its inaugural 14-game season in 2013, kicking off in March and concluding with a championship game in June. The league has targeted a number of U.S. cities for franchises.
The USFL’s Board of Advisors will be responsible for guiding and advising USFL management on various areas of operations and, eventually, focus on identifying candidates and selecting the league’s commissioner.
According to the news release, the USFL is designed to allow players not drafted by the NFL, or those that have been released by NFL teams, an opportunity to play professional football under the same rules as the NFL. In order to maintain financial responsibility and sustainability, the USFL will structure itself under a single-entity business model. All player and coach contracts will be owned by the USFL, and each team owner will be a member operator of the league.
The USFL intends to create a working relationship with the NFL by allowing access to NFL players and personnel. This relationship will be one of respect and collaboration, but the USFL will operate independently with a focus on developing its players and creating the best fan experience possible.
The USFL will also endeavor to prepare players for life after playing football by providing mentorship and counsel to expand the athletes’ awareness of opportunities inside and, especially, outside of football. Additionally, the USFL plans to enhance the fan experience by providing greater access to its players and employing technology to enhance the viewing experience for its fans.
About The United States Football League
The United States Football League, LLC, a Delaware LLC, is a professional spring outdoor football league owned by EndZone Sports Management and is headquartered in San Diego, Calif. Jaime Cuadra is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the USFL. The USFL’s vision is provide a high-level competitive environment to help develop players for the National Football League, while preparing its players for succeeding as professionals and in life on and off of the field during and after their football careers. While the USFL initially operated from 1983-87, the new USFL plans to debut in the spring of 2013 by fielding eight teams nationwide to play a 14-game season, including a four-team playoff tournament, and providing fans with an exciting and innovative brand of football. The USFL plans to adopt all playing rules of the National Football League. For more information on the USFL’s 2013 launch, please visit the USFL online at www.theusfl.net and via social media on Facebook (www.facebook.com/TheUSFL) and on Twitter (@TheUSFL).
