XFL and USFL merge to form

The XFL and USFL, rival soccer minor leagues, are combining to type the United Soccer League, which can kick off on March 30, 2024. The brand new premier soccer league was introduced by XFL co-owners Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia on FOX’s NFL on Sunday.

The season opener will likely be performed by the Arlington Renegades and Birmingham Stallions, reigning champions of the XFL and USFL, respectively. The leagues first introduced their intent to merge in September. 

“As a unified spring league, we’re in a position to deepen our dedication to unlocking and surpassing the goals of our gamers, coaches, employees and followers. This league represents continued legacy and evolution, and we look ahead to constructing the universe of spring soccer,” Garcia mentioned in a press release.

Spring soccer leagues have traditionally been turbulent. The USFL, first based in 1982, lasted 4 years earlier than ceasing operations. The XFL, initially based by wrestling govt Vince McMahon in 2001, solely lasted one season.

The XFL was revived in 2018 however then filed for chapter in 2020 — it was purchased by a consortium that included Johnson and Garcia. The USFL was reborn in Birmingham, Alabama, in 2021.

“That is 30 years in spring soccer of beginning and stopping, beginning and stopping,” Johnson mentioned on FOX NFL Sunday, including that “it appears like we received a shot to determine that spring soccer is right here to remain.”