The Inaugural Games of the New UFL

The inaugural games of the United Football League (UFL) took place on March 30, 2024, marking the dawn of a new era in spring football. This league was born from the merger of the XFL and USFL, combining the history of both organizations which had previously staged seasons in 2020, 2022, and separate campaigns in 2023. The season opener featured a compelling clash between the reigning 2023 XFL champion Arlington Renegades and the 2023 USFL champion Birmingham Stallions, setting the stage for the unified league's first season.

Prior to their 2024 merger, the USFL and XFL faced differing financial landscapes. In 2023, the USFL saw a 16% decrease in average viewership from its debut season, averaging 601,000 viewers, slightly below the XFL's 620,000 despite having significantly more over-the-air broadcasts. The USFL championship game also experienced a decline in viewership. While 40 USFL players signed with NFL teams, only two started the NFL season on active rosters.

The XFL, despite losing nearly $60 million in 2023 with approximately $140 million in expenses against $80 million in revenue (including $20 million from ESPN), considered its season a success. The league operated with a very limited marketing budget. Notably, over 200 XFL players received NFL workout invitations, and 63 signed contracts, with one starting on an active NFL roster.