Category Archives: Expansion

Expansion

Announcing Cascadia Evergreen

Note: This image was made using generative AI. I am working to replace all AI images as soon as possible

Dateline: Friday, April 11, 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.

It is in this spirit that the team announces the final expansion team for 1987, the Cascadian Evergreen. The Pacific Northwest offers the perfect opportunity to test for further Canada expansion. The fans in the area are also some of the most loyal. They will give even the coop ownership in Boston a run for their money. They hope to hire Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Steve Moore as their coach. The Evergreen join Denver, Los Angeles, Oakland, Las Vegas, and Arizona in the Pacific. Stay tuned for more information as the 1987 season approaches.

Expansion

Announcing Carolina T-Birds

This image is AI generated. I am working to replace all AI generated images as soon as possible

Dateline: Thursday, May 14, 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.

It is in this spirit that the team announces the third expansion team for 1987, the Carolina T-Birds. The Carolinas represent an exciting new market for football and the league wanted to take advantage of that growth opportunity. The T-Birds will play in the south with Birmingham, Jacksonville, Tampa Bay, Memphis, and expansion team from two years ago New Orleans. They have been in talks with North Carolina Tar Heels football coach Dick Crum as their head coach. Crum would come into the league having led UNC to 7 out of 10 seasons above .500 with 4 bowl wins against only two losses.

Expansion

Announcing Minnesota Norsemen

This image generated using AI. I am working to replace all AI images as soon as possible.

Dateline: Thursday, April 10, 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.

It is in this spirit that the team announces the second expansion team for 1987, the Minnesota Norsemen. In keeping with the Scandanavian roots of the area, the Norsemen promise to bring the same work ethic and intensity as their brothers in the NFL. They will play in the Central with Houston, Michigan, Chicago, San Antonio, and Oklahoma. The team has been in talks with Monte Kiffin, a veteran coach with a defensive mindset, to try to compete with the high flying offenses in the Central. Stay tuned for more information as the 1987 season approaches.

Expansion

Announcing Toronto Titans

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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!

Expansion

Introducing the Vegas Ace

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Vegas Ace Set to Debut in USFL’s 1985 Season

Las Vegas, NV – February 24, 1985 – The United States Football League (USFL) is thrilled to announce the arrival of the Vegas Ace, poised to make its mark on the gridiron in the upcoming 1985 season. Amidst a flurry of excitement and anticipation, the vibrant city of Las Vegas welcomes its newest sports franchise with open arms and eager anticipation.

The birth of the Vegas Ace represents a bold new chapter in Las Vegas sports history, fueled by the vision and determination of a community eager to embrace professional football. Led by esteemed coach Harvey Hyde, the Ace boasts a formidable lineup bolstered by the arrival of star quarterback Randall Cunningham, both familiar faces to fans of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).

Coach Hyde’s tenure at UNLV may have been cut short, but his return to the gridiron brings renewed energy and enthusiasm to the Vegas Ace. With Cunningham at the helm, the team is poised to electrify audiences and carve out its place among the league’s elite.

The Sam Boyd Silver Bowl will serve as the Ace’s home turf, providing a familiar and spirited backdrop for their inaugural season. Nestled in the heart of Las Vegas, this iconic venue is poised to witness unforgettable gridiron showdowns that will captivate fans near and far.

While the road to success may be paved with challenges, the Vegas Ace remains steadfast in its commitment to excellence. As with any expansion team, patience and perseverance will be key as the Ace embarks on its journey to greatness.

As excitement builds and anticipation reaches a fever pitch, the Vegas Ace invites fans from across the region to join them on this thrilling ride. Together, let us embrace the spirit of unity, resilience, and unwavering passion as we usher in a new era of football in the entertainment capital of the world.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Media Relations Contact:
Sarah Johnson
Director of Media Relations
Vegas Ace
Phone: (702) 555-7890
Email: media@vegasacefootball.com

For press inquiries, interviews, and media requests, please reach out to Sarah Johnson, Director of Media Relations, at the provided contact details.

For more information about the USFL and the Vegas Ace, please visit www.2guysgaming.net/usfldr.

Expansion

Introducing the New Orleans Brass

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Orleans Brass Joins USFL for 1985 Season

New Orleans, LA – February 24, 1985 – The United States Football League (USFL) proudly announces the addition of the New Orleans Brass to its esteemed roster of teams for the upcoming 1985 season. Amidst speculation and anticipation, the vibrant city of New Orleans welcomes its newest sports franchise with open arms and high hopes.

The inception of the New Orleans Brass comes on the heels of a thrilling series of events that saw the city’s fervent football enthusiasts rally to thwart the relocation of the Boston Breakers to their beloved New Orleans. In a remarkable display of passion and dedication, Breakers fans banded together to acquire and preserve their team, transforming it into a cooperative venture rooted in the heart of Louisiana.

Leading the charge for the Brass is esteemed coach Sam Robertson, whose impressive tenure at Southwestern Louisiana has garnered him widespread acclaim. Eager to test his mettle in the professional arena, Robertson brings a wealth of experience and a winning spirit to the helm of the New Orleans franchise.

The Brass will call the iconic Superdome their home, adding to the storied legacy of this legendary venue. With its rich history and unrivaled atmosphere, the Superdome stands ready to host thrilling gridiron battles that will captivate fans far and wide.

Despite the challenges posed by a tumultuous offseason marked by league turmoil and a rushed expansion draft, the New Orleans Brass remain undaunted. While expectations may be tempered, there is no shortage of excitement surrounding this new chapter in New Orleans football history.

As the countdown to kickoff begins, the New Orleans Brass invite fans across the region to join them on their journey. Together, let us embrace the spirit of unity, resilience, and unwavering passion as we embark on a thrilling new era of football in the Big Easy.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Media Relations Contact: Jane Smith
Director of Media Relations
New Orleans Brass
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Email: media@neworleansbrass.com

For more information about the USFL and the New Orleans Brass, please visit www.2guysgaming.net/usfldr.

Expansion

Introducing Oklahoma Outlaws

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by: Dean Avalon, The Oklahoma

(Editor’s Note: We meant to run this earlier in the week, but the scheduling got mixed up.)

By now, we all know about the ambitious expansion planned by the USFL next year. They plan to add 6 teams to the league. Last, but certainly not least, I get to introduce you all to your Oklahoma Outlaws. Like Jacksonville and Memphis, Oklahoma boasts a rich tradition in college football with the OU Sooners and State Cowboys.

Until now, some of us claimed the Cowboys as our NFL team. They are America’s team after all. But, with this announcement, we now have a professional team that we can truly call our own. The USFL has proven that they want to do things differently and make professional football fun again. Here’s hoping that the Outlaws bring a lot of that fun.

Expansion

Introducing Pittsburgh Maulers

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by: Shawn M. Lucas, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

After only 3/4 of their inaugural season, the USFL announced a massive expansion for next year. They are adding 6 new teams to the league. Already confirmed are the Memphis Showboats, Houston Gamblers, San Antonio Gunslingers, and Jacksonville Bulls. This week, they granted me the great honor of introducing the 5th team scheduled to start next year.

The city of Pittsburgh has a great tradition of football going back to 1933 when the Pirates started play in the NFL. Over the years, teams from Philadelphia and Chicago merged with the Pittsburgh teams to get through lean years due to war and other financial hardship. Our very own Steelers coined the term “dynasty” with their 4 Super Bowl victories in the 1970s

And, now the Pittsburgh Maulers of the USFL will join that illustrious history next year. The USFL has already proven successful in football crazy cities with an NFL team and they hope that success continues here in Pittsburgh.

Expansion

Introducing Memphis Showboats

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by: Elsa Cameron, The Commercial Appeal

The USFL announced an ambitious expansion for their second year, adding 6 teams to the league. The league chose to give one lucky reporter from each expansion city a chance to write about their new team each week to end the season. You already know about the Bulls, Gamblers, and Gunslingers.

I have the opportunity and privledge to introduce your Memphis Showboats. Like Jacksonville, the first city to announce their team, Tennessee comes to the league with a fervent college football history and fandom. We love our Vols in this state.

So, Tennessee, show up for the Showboats with that same excitement and energy. The USFL proved so far this year that they bring professional football with a more fun attitude than the NFL. We need to match that energy and fun.

Expansion

Introducing the San Antonio Gunslingers

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by: Jenna Branko, Gunslingers! (a fan zine)

The USFL announced an ambitious expansion for next year, adding six new teams to the league. Two have already been announced in the Houston Gamblers and Jacksonville Bulls. I am here to bring good news to the people of San Antonio. Welcome to the league, your Gunslingers!

Long a little brother with no professional team, San Antonio can now hold their heads high that they can cheer for a professional football team. True to our Texas roots, we gave the team an exciting name that they hopefully live up to.

With a new offense boiling up finally into the pro ranks in the form of the run and shoot, maybe our Gunslingers will be able to come out and compete right from the start. You never know what a team will look like until that first game, but this humble writer holds out hope. Come out slinging, San Antonio!