Plagued by a lack of exposure and an ensuing lack of interest, the UFL has lost millions since it launched three years ago.
But the minor-league that once had major-league aspirations will, as expected, return for a fourth season.
According to the Associated Press, the UFL has struck a deal with CBS Sports Network to have two games per week televised during an eight-week season that launches September 19. Games will air on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed. We wouldn’t be surprised if CBS is paying nothing to air the games. Or if the UFL is paying CBS.
It’s been announced that Marty Schottenheimer and Jim Fassel will return as head coaches of franchises in Norfolk and Las Vegas. Other teams are expected to be headquartered in Omaha and Sacramento.
No mention has been made to date regarding changes to the league’s rules for player departures to other leagues. We’ve previously been told that the UFL will now allow players to leave without penalty at any time for the UFL or the CFL.
Refusal to apply that approach from the outset has contributed to the general lack of interest in the UFL. At this point, the league’s best play would be to do just enough to persuade the NFL to buy the thing and transform it into a low-level, in-season minor league.