Are you ready for the USFL’s return? BJCC, city leaders considering spring pro football

After a 37 year hiatus—is the USFL returning to Birmingham this spring?

According to BJCC Executive Director Tad Snider, the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center Authority Board of Directors met on Monday to discuss the possible use of Protective Stadium to host the relaunched United States Football League. 

USFL 12-13 Weeks

Snider confirmed the board had received info on how the new spring league would work and that they will be reviewing and discussing the terms in the coming days. He also indicated that a draft schedule that has not been finalized would involve 12-13 weeks use of Protective Stadium. The new league will keep the teams in the same city similar to the NBA “bubble” that was done in 2020.

WVTM 13 Reports

WVTM 13’s Jon Paepcke reported the USFL season includes a ten-game season with two semi-final matches and a championship

Somewhere between 75% and 80% of the league’s games would be played at Protective Stadium. The remaining games would be played at Legion Field.

The Birmingham Park Board approved a resolution supporting any USFL activities at Legion Field this past summer.

The broadcast proposal is as follows: 25% of games on the USA Network, 25% of Fox Sports, 25% on Fox and 25% on NBC.

Due Diligence 

Bringing back the USFL, which was very successful in Birmingham, excites Snider. 

“There’s a lot of work to do moving through due diligence and understanding what the opportunity is to see how it benefits the city and that’s what we’re going to be doing over the next few days.”

 

What Do You Think?

What are your views about the possible return of the USFL? With the The World Games 2022 coming to town in July 2022 and the inaugural season of the NBA’s G League Birmingham Squadron — is this a new golden era of sports in the Magic City? 

Tell us what you think by tagging us at @bhamnow on social media.