The USFLPA broke some important news today regarding the USFL-XFL merger structure. It appears that four USFL teams will be making the final cut, according to information that ProFootballTalk was able to release.
USFLPA informs members that four USFL teams will survive merger with XFL for 2024 season: Michigan, Houston, Memphis, Birmingham. https://t.co/0c2otTqhZ9
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) December 19, 2023
Of the four USFL franchises in the new league, the reported four teams to remain are:
Birmingham Stallions
Houston Gamblers
Memphis Showboats
Michigan Panthers
It appears that the league has finally secured a venue in Houston, leading to the return of the Houston Gamblers to the city. With this news in mind, it is safe to say that the XFL’s Houston Roughnecks won’t be a part of the unified league.
The USFL will be losing four of its franchises:
New Orleans Breakers
New Jersey Generals
Philadelphia Stars
Pittsburgh Maulers
Rumors are swirling right now in regards to the USFL-XFL merger. Many are expecting an official announcement to come on the 21st (Thursday), but we aren’t holding our breath given the setbacks we’ve seen in the past regarding said announcement.
Other Rumors
In addition to this news, here are some other pieces we’ve been hearing. Note: none of this is officially confirmed by the leagues – but it’s news we are expecting to hear when the announcement is made.
The four XFL markets to remain would be:
Arlington Renegades
DC Defenders
San Antonio Brahmas
St. Louis Battlehawks
We are also being told that the new head coach in Memphis is likely going to be a former USFL head coach – either John DeFilippo (Breakers), or Mike Riley (Generals). Divisions in the new “UFL” (United Football League) are currently set to keep their “USFL” and “XFL” names.
The XFL utilized a “hub system” in Arlington during their 2023 season, where all 8 teams were located at and around Choctaw Stadium. We are…