In a groundbreaking development for football fans, the XFL and USFL leagues have officially announced their merger to form a brand new spring football league called the United Football League (UFL). The announcement came in a press release, revealing key leadership positions and partner entities involved in the venture.

The UFL will see Russ Brandon, former president and CEO of the XFL, maintain his role in the league, while Daryl Johnston, former USFL president of football operations and current Fox Sports broadcaster, will lead the new league's football operations.

According to Daryl Johnson, the mission of the UFL is to expand the game of football and provide opportunities for players with dreams of playing professional football. He stated, "We can build something powerful, exciting, and very cool for football fans – a spring league with lasting impact for all the players with a dream to play pro football."

The press release included the announcement of five prominent partners in the UFL. Notably, three XFL owners - Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Dany Garcia, and Gerry Cardinale of RedBird Capital Partners - are among the partners. In addition, ESPN and FOX Sports were also revealed as partners.

Speaking about the UFL, Dwayne Johnson expressed excitement about the opportunity the league provides for aspiring players. He mentioned the potential for players who have previously missed out on NFL opportunities to showcase their talents in the UFL and potentially earn a spot in the NFL.

FOX Sports CEO, Eric Shanks, praised the success of the USFL and expressed confidence in the future of spring football. He stated, "The opportunity to bring together our two leagues – each with a commitment to advancing broadcast practices, rule innovations, and the community – only furthers the potential of the United Football League and solidifies its spot on the sports calendar."

Previously, both the USFL and XFL played separate, partially overlapping schedules in 2023. The intent to merge was announced on 28 September and received approval from federal regulators on 30 November.

As for broadcasting, the games of the UFL will be televised by FOX, FS1, ABC, and ESPN, ensuring extensive coverage for football enthusiasts.

The birth of the United Football League marks a significant moment in the landscape of spring football, combining the resources and expertise of the XFL and USFL. With strong leadership and influential partners, the UFL is poised to make a lasting impact on the world of professional football, providing a platform for players and exciting entertainment for fans.