The United States Football League (USFL) decision, significantly influenced by Donald Trump, to shift its schedule from spring to fall and directly compete with the NFL proved to be a fatal miscalculation. Conceived initially as a spring league, the USFL enjoyed some early success, capitalizing on the NFL's off-season.  

However, Trump, owner of the New Jersey Generals, advocated for a move to the fall, believing it would force a merger with the NFL or significantly increase the league's leverage. This strategy involved an antitrust lawsuit against the NFL, alleging monopolistic practices.  

The resulting legal battle, while technically yielding a victory for the USFL, resulted in a mere $3 in damages. This pyrrhic victory and the immense challenge of competing directly with the established NFL led to the USFL's rapid financial decline and eventual collapse. The move to the fall, driven by Trump's aggressive approach, ultimately hastened the league's demise.