The XFL was never anything but a stunt. The WFL tried to be a competitor to the NFL and got crushed. The CFL keeps the vast majority of the guys it pulls in, though there are exceptions. The arena game does contribute some NFL players, but the differences in the game require somewhat different strengths that don't always translate well. NFL Europe is a legitimate farm league, but the very fact that it's based in Europe limits the exposure in the US. The fact that this will be a spring league, with only minor league expectations for attendance and the like, may give it a chance to succeed. Add the fact that the each team will be basically made up of mid level collegiate stars from a single popular program and this really may have legs. As a Michigan fan, I don't think I'd have any problem assembling an interesting team out of grads from the past five years or so who aren't in the NFL. It'll never be a big time league, but as long as they realize that ahead of time, it may turn out to be fun. It might be even easier to organize if they set it up with the major conferences though. You know, Big 10 vs. Pac 10 vs. SEC vs., well, you get the idea.
Kind of like a football "Minor league" for smart, more-motivated ex-college players. Why not? Give it a shot.
The one reason I could see this working is that they aren't trying to put teams in cities that are already sports-loaded. They're planning to put teams in cities that are established college football towns, but have little else to do during the summer. A semi-pro league with teams in Lincoln, Norman, Gainesville, and other such places (I have no idea if those are cities involved...just good examples of places that could be) could certainly draw fans in those towns. If they were trying to put teams in New York, L.A., and the like they'd die fast because fans have other more appealing choices right there.
"There are too many flavors of ice cream!" "I don't want more choice. I just want better things!" Jennifer Saunders as Edina Monsoon, from Absolutely Fabulous. Sometimes she speaks for all of us.
Who knows? Something like this might work. Doesn't anyone remember that when the AFL started it was never going to stack up to the NFL? I know that this is a little different, but something like this just might work out. I for one think that this is a good idea. I would definately watch. I mean, come on people. Aren't there some of your favorite college players that you feel could have made it into the NFL if they were only given a chance? I think this would be a great benefit for the NFL to have a sort of minor league. I would like to see a team for every NFL team and it be used just like the minor league in baseball. This could also work for some local CBS, NBC or ABC affiliates to pick up the games. If the league does well, it could mean some good money for them in the NFL's off season.
Since baseball is my first love I can't see myself watching second rate football over first rate baseball, but my viewing preferences aside it reminds me more than anything of the glitz and marketing (but complete lack of substance) that was the XFL. I am the type of fan that believes more sports is good sports //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Caber_toss but I just don't see this league having any real long-term success.
This is pretty much the dumbest thing that I have heard about in a long time. Sometimes people just have too much time on their hands and they think too hard, trying to make some money. I say it will be bankrupt by the end of the first season. I'm out
hmmm... Developmental league? Aimed at the priveleged yet somehow still incapable? Partially funded by institutions who already have to slaughter arms and legs as tuition dollars as it is? I'm not sold...
No one has yet mentioned the $100,000 per year per player average salary. Multiply that by 40 and you are up to $4,000,000 a year in salaries per team. Tickets are $30, it is going to take a lot of tickets just to reach break even. I'm sure the universities will be reimbursed for the use of their facilities. Paid coaching staffs, trainers, referees, travel expenses; it all equals more tickets to be sold. They are also prepared to launch without a TV deal, and the TV deal would be the only thing able to keep them out of the red! It will fail miserably and quickly.
I'm sorry I can't see this being a lasting effort. People aren't loyal to players, they're loyal to teams. Hell, they're basically loyal to a jersey. You're going to pay $30 to see the guy on last year's squad (who graduated) who couldn't make the arena league play in, yet another football league? There are too many flavors of ice cream! Ah, the illusion of choice. Truth is there are about eight flavours of ice cream and they just throw different shit in them. Nothing like walking down the cereal isle at the supermarket and realizing that we have 138 different breakfast choices and 2 political parties. Mmmmmm... Progress.
Ah, the illusion of choice. Truth is there are about eight flavours of ice cream and they just throw different shit in them. I disagree. (flavours seen in this store include: Basalmic Vinegar, Aloe Vera, Durian, Pear Blue Cheese Gargonzola...I highly recommend visiting when in the Vancouver area)
I like it, particularly for the rule that all players must graduate. That being said, I don't think I'm enough of a college football fan to watch any of these games. But really, I think this league requires a "wait and see" approach. It might end up being pretty cool. I certainly like the idea of teams being affiliated with their colleges/conferences.
I'm with Dude on the "wait and see" approach. I got burned when Bobby Hull said that he was going to start a new hockey league during the NHL lockout. That didn't last long. I would really like to see this new football league happen. I'm sure that countless college players got their hopes and dreams crushed when they weren't drafted by the NFL. Now maybe they can live their dream of playing professional football.
PropIr: No one has yet mentioned the $100,000 per year per player average salary. Did I miss something? I didn't see anything from the link that mentioned salaries, or even roster sizes or ticket prices for that matter. Are these just assumptions, or did I not scour the link thoroughly enough?
I think it could do a lot better than the XFL. That was probably the dumbest stunt in the history of football. But the AAFL will have guys that we have seen play college ball and playing in the stadiums like the Swamp in Gainsville. Better to watch than the Arena League I think.
ctal1999: I guess I should have included the link to the story.
