Almost three months after the UFLPA and USW walked away from the UFL, we have a new union. The UFPA (United Football Players Association) has officially been voted in by the players – and recognized by the NLRB (National Labor Relations Board) as the players union for the UFL 2025 season.
Developing: According to @UnitedFBPlayers on Instagram, they’ve been voted in by the players – and recognized by the NLRB – as the official player’s union for the 2025 #UFL season.
This comes after the @UFLPA & USW withdrew from their position with the UFL this offseason. pic.twitter.com/hCs2EI9qHN
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) October 11, 2024
Two years ago, unions were introduced to spring football. The USFLPA was voted on by the players in the USFL for the 2023 season, while the XFL did not have a union of their own.
This led to a crossroads when the two leagues merged. As the UFL formed itself, there was discussion – and disagreements – among many of the athletes on both sides. Ultimately, the UFLPA earned enough votes and was established – essentially branching off of what the USFLPA was.
The UFLPA was responsible for working with the UFL this past season, to ensure that players were treated fairly. While things went smoothly for the most part, there were a couple of issues throughout the season. Most notably, the UFL did not hold up their original agreement for player of the week awards – which created some drama midway through the season.
Statement on Individual Player Bonuses Grievance pic.twitter.com/gMULuCkSKW
— UFLPA (@TheUFLPA) April 8, 2024
Things took a turn this offseason, as the United Steelworkers – the union backing the UFLPA – withdrew from the UFL.
Statement on USW withdrawal from UFL pic.twitter.com/yzenbJZ5lH
— UFLPA (@TheUFLPA) August 12, 2024
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After a few months without a players union, the players have officially voted on the UFPA as their representation moving forward. We’re told that…