Dateline: Thursday, April 3, 1986. After a season of turmoil that saw rumors of contraction and bad actors attempting to thwart the league’s ideals, the USFL worked to renew faith in the league by showing that they’re in this for the long haul. Then, this year, they reaffirmed that commitment by putting more thought into the league. They hired new assistants to help the commisioner keep track of league business. They put together a marketing team that worked to increase brand awareness and spread the gospel of the new USFL. Those moves paid huge dividends already in the season. Attendance is up. The league is in talks to expand their television coverage beyond ESPN and ABC into local affiliates.

As a result of this good will, the league decided to announce 4 expansion teams for next year. The first will look odd for the USFL, as it calls Toronto, Canada home. Starting in 1987, Canada will have spring football, too. The Toronto Titans will play their football in Exhibition stadium and will play in the Atlantic division with Philadelphia, Washington, Boston, New Jersey, and Pittsburgh. The team is rumored to be in talks with Ted Marchibroda, former NFL player and assistant, as their head coach. Stay tuned for more news as the 1987 season nears!